Angry demonstrations erupted in Baghdad's al-Ameen district on Sunday as Iraqi citizens protested severe electricity shortages amid scorching temperatures exceeding 50°C, with protesters burning tyres and clashing with security forces.

Iraq has been addressing negative impacts from US President Donald Trump's decision to end exemptions Washington granted Baghdad for importing gas and electricity from Iran, implementing various measures including establishing a floating platform at sea and signing a raft of agreements recently for installing solar panels across the country, however, climate change and rising temperatures have made the already difficult task much harder. 

Dozens of residents in al-Ameen, east of Baghdad, took to the streets demanding increased electricity supply hours and improved power infrastructure as Iraq's chronic electricity crisis intensifies during the summer heat wave, Al-Alam Al-Jadeed reported on July 13.

"Protesters set fire to tyres in the district's streets, expressing their frustration with weak electricity supply, demanding increased operating hours and improved electricity conditions," a correspondent reported.

Security forces used excessive force and beat protesters with sticks to disperse the demonstrations and extinguish the tyre fires, resulting in four injuries among protesters.

Residents in the al-Mustansiriya neighbourhood in central Baghdad also complained of weak electricity supply and voltage instability when power is available.

"We, the residents of al-Mustansiriya neighbourhood, locality 504, suffer from severe weakness in electricity supply," said resident Abu Ahmed. "When electricity is available, it comes with weak voltage, causing major damage to household appliances."

Abu Ahmed called on relevant authorities to "address the matter urgently, especially since Ministry of Electricity teams do not come when complaints are filed".

Iraq has suffered chronic electricity shortages for years, particularly during summer, with frequent power cuts despite significant spending and successive projects. The crisis intensifies as temperatures rise, increasing pressure on the national grid and affecting citizens' lives and public services.

The Ministry of Electricity announced on Sunday it had achieved stability in power supply hours in Baghdad and provinces despite rising temperatures, confirming that generating units previously offline for maintenance had returned to service, contributing to improved supply in some previously affected areas.

Private generator owners in Baghdad continue imposing high rates, reaching 15,000 dinars per ampere this month, whilst national system supply hours remain at six hours in the best areas, including modern residential complexes and central Karkh and Rusafa districts.

Some peripheral areas of the capital receive less than six hours of daily supply, with one hour of operation for every five hours of shutdown, with only privatised areas maintaining 24-hour continuous electricity.