While Iraq is not currently in a drought, its annual water demand stands at 90 billion cubic meters, making future water availability increasingly uncertain due to climate change, experts warned during the Erbil Forum 2025.
Torhan al-Mufti, an advisor to the Iraqi prime minister on water, stated that Iraq is on the verge of a drought, depending on seasonal rainfall. Despite improved precipitation this year, the country remains vulnerable, particularly in central and southern regions, which are already facing water shortages.
Experts in freshwater law highlighted the unpredictability of rainfall and the declining levels of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers as major threats, stressing the need for concrete action and financial investment in water management rather than just discussions.
