U.S. Special Envoy Mark Savaya Announces New Iraq-Türkiye Water Deal

U.S. Special Envoy to Iraq Mark Savaya announced Baghdad and Ankara on a new Iraq–Türkiye water-management accord, calling it a “major step” toward easing drought and securing the Tigris-Euphrates basin.

The agreement establishes an implementation mechanism allowing Turkish firms to build water-infrastructure and land-reclamation projects in Iraq, funded through oil-export revenues. Initial plans include three water-harvesting dams and three land-restoration projects.

Savaya reaffirmed Washington’s support for Iraq’s environmental recovery, saying the deal reflects shared regional priorities for stability and sustainable resource use.