Why are Middle Eastern countries dependent on desalination plants?

Middle Eastern countries rely on desalination plants for approximately 90% of their water resources due to a lack of natural freshwater sources.

What are the consequences of targeting water desalination plants in the Middle East?

Targeting water desalination plants can lead to catastrophic consequences, jeopardizing critical infrastructure and public access to water, with potentially worse fallout than attacks on oil facilities.

Have water facilities been targeted in past conflicts?

Yes, historical incidents include Iraq destroying desalination plants in 1991 and damage to water facilities reported in May 2024, highlighting the severe impact of such attacks.

Home / War and Conflict / Water: The Next Target in Gulf Conflicts?

Water: The Next Target in Gulf Conflicts?

24 Mar

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Summary

Water plants in the Middle East are being targeted, risking worse fallout than oil depot attacks.
The region relies on desalination plants for 90% of its water resources.
Targeting water infrastructure is akin to a war crime, with past incidents causing severe disruption.

Water: The Next Target in Gulf Conflicts?

Water scarcity is a critical issue in the Middle East, with the region heavily reliant on expensive desalinated water due to a lack of freshwater resources. Recent conflicts have seen water purification and desalination plants targeted, an act with potentially more severe consequences than attacks on oil facilities. For instance, Iran has alleged US attacks on a plant on Qeshm Island, impacting 30 villages, while Bahrain has accused Iran of damaging a plant via a drone. Iran has issued warnings about targeting water units if its power plants are attacked.