Iran Resumes Water Flow to Kurdistan Region via Little Zab River

Kurdistan 06:36 PM - 2025-07-03

Little Zab River.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has resumed the flow of water to the Kurdistan Region through the Little Zab River for the first time this season, easing fears regarding the availability of drinking water in areas reliant on the river. Simultaneously, the Republic of Türkiye has agreed to increase water flows to Iraq, with a representative from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) confirming that issues caused by water shortages are on track to being resolved.

Water Flow Restored to the Little Zab

Following a lengthy suspension of water flow to the Little Zab by Iran, water has now been released for the first time this season. Marouf Mahmoud, director of the Khas Water Project in Qala Diza, in the Raparin administration, said in a press statement: “Iran has been releasing water via the Little Zab for three days, which has helped ease concerns about the supply of drinking water for residents in the Pshdar area.”

Türkiye Boosts Water Flow to Iraq

In a related development, Türkiye has agreed to increase water flows to Iraq through the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. During a meeting with a delegation from the Iraqi parliament, led by Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan approved Iraq’s request to raise water releases to 420 cubic metres per second, effective from Wednesday, 2 July 2025.

On this matter, Gharib Ahmed, a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources, stated: “One of the key topics consistently addressed in both local and international conferences and meetings has been the limited water flow from neighbouring countries into Iraq, which has led to significant difficulties for both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.”

Gharib Ahmed, who represents the PUK bloc, added: “Thanks to repeated visits by senior officials to neighbouring nations – particularly the recent visit by the Iraqi parliament to Türkiye – positive agreements have been reached regarding increased water flows to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.” He further noted that “joint committees from both countries have evaluated the water situation and agreed upon the appropriate volume of water to be released. This move is expected to lessen the negative effects that have accumulated due to years of water shortages and will aid in addressing the subsequent challenges.”



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