AL-Qadisiya Journal For Law and Political Sciences

Climate change and water policies in the Tigris and Euphrates basin: reshaping Iraqi-Turkish-Iranian relations between competitio

https://doi.org/10.63677/jqlap.2026.175013.1678
Volume 17, Issue: 2 part 1
Summer 2026
Pages 1095-1134
AL-Qadisiya Journal For Law and Political Sciences

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Omar Hamid Shukur Mahmoud

University of Anbar, College of Political Science

Abstract
This research focuses on the impact of climate change and the water policies of upstream countries in the Tigris and Euphrates basin, and how this has affected Iraq's water share and reshaped Iraqi-Turkish-Iranian relations. The research concludes that climate change affects Turkey and Iran, as well as Iraq. Furthermore, Ankara and Tehran's attempts to maximize their economic gains and use water as a tool of influence and pressure on Iraq have led them to adopt water policies through the construction of massive projects on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This factor, in turn, has significantly reduced Iraq's water share, negatively impacting life in Iraq. Consequently, these two factors have influenced Iraqi foreign policy, leading to the emergence of a new map of Iraq's water-related relationships with these two countries, particularly Turkey. This stems from the conviction among Iraqi decision-makers that these two factors, especially Ankara's policies, necessitate a new foreign policy. With Turkey, Iraq has adopted an oil-for-water approach to address the water shortage it suffers due to climate change and human activity. Baghdad is attempting a similar diplomatic strategy with Iran. Water diplomacy without clashing with it, to also provide water.

Keywords

Climate change
water policies
Tigris and Euphrates basin
international relations
foreign policy
Subjects
  • Receive Date 14 August 2026
  • Accept Date 02 September 2026

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