Iraq threatens cutting Turkey ties over water issue

The first deputy speaker of Iraq's parliament threatened to cut economic ties and trade exchange with Turkey and Iran over the dropping water levels in the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.

First Deputy Speaker of Iraqi Parliament said Iraq's parliament may be left with no other option to respond with, but to criminalize trade dealings with the two countries.

Iraq relies on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers for nearly all of its water needs. Both flow into Iraq from Turkey and Iran.

Those countries have constructed dams that have either blocked or diverted water, creating major shortages in Iraq. Water Resources Minister Mahdi Rasheed told the Associated Press that river levels were down 60% compared to last year.