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A statement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential attacks on Iran's water desalination facilities has amplified concerns over water resources in the Middle East. This move could potentially escalate into a significant humanitarian crisis for countries in the region, extending beyond military implications.

Trump's Warning

In a statement published on the Truth Social platform, Trump declared that if a ceasefire agreement was not reached and the Strait of Hormuz was not opened, the U.S. would strike Iran's power stations, oil fields, Hark Island, and water desalination facilities.

Threat to Water Resources

Experts suggest the greatest danger lies not with Trump himself, but in Iran's potential response. While Iran secures only a small portion of its drinking water through desalination, the Persian Gulf nations are heavily reliant on this technology. Hundreds of desalination plants in the region supply millions of people with water. Their disruption could immediately lead to severe water shortages in major cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.

International Law and Humanitarian Aspects

International legal experts consider such facilities as critical infrastructure vital for civilian life. Deliberately targeting them could be classified as a war crime.

Iran's Situation and Infrastructure Vulnerability

Water scarcity is a pressing issue within Iran itself. While recent droughts have depleted reservoir levels, the country primarily relies on rivers and groundwater. However, specialists point out the vulnerability of the complex structure of the desalination system. Any disruption in the chain of water intake, processing, or energy supply could potentially halt the entire system.

Tool of Asymmetric Pressure

This situation could become a tool for asymmetric pressure for Iran. Even if direct military retaliation is not feasible, Iran might retaliate by targeting the adversary's vulnerable infrastructure.

Economic and Climate Factors

The Persian Gulf countries are crucial suppliers of global oil exports. Escalating conflicts could impact maritime transport, posing a threat to economic stability. Experts note that these countries can be described not as 'oil states' but as 'water-dependent states,' as their survival is directly linked to desalination systems. Climate change further exacerbates this dependency, increasing demand for desalination due to rising droughts and diminishing natural water sources. Therefore, experts warn that any military action in the region could have far-reaching humanitarian consequences, not just geopolitical ones.

This was reported by the Infohub.kz information agency.