Iran, Iraq to collaborate on combating dust storms

An Iraqi cleaner works to clean the street during a severe dust storm in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on May 1, 2022. (AFP)

Iranian and Iraqi officials have announced plans to address the common issue of dust storms that affect both countries.

Abbas-Ali Nobakht, the head of Iran’s Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, disclosed that both nations have committed to boosting collaboration in combating the environmental challenge of dust storms, which has widespread impacts on the region.

As part of his visit to Iraq, Nobakht engaged in discussions with the governors of Karbala and Najaf on Sunday.

The talks centered on the prevalent environmental hurdles shared by Iran and Iraq, with a focus on devising strategies and implementing collaborative efforts to mitigate the effects of dust storms.

Nobakht emphasized Iran’s willingness to offer its expertise in desertification control to support Iraq in addressing the issue of dust storms and sand movement effectively.

The mutual commitment between Iran and Iraq signals a joint approach toward safeguarding the environment and enhancing regional stability against the threat of dust storms.