The conflict in the Middle East has entered a perilous new phase as strategic attacks on desalination plants threaten the very core of survival for millions. Over the weekend, both Iran and Bahrain accused each other of targeting critical water infrastructure, a grim indicator that water is becoming a weapon in this ongoing struggle. With the Arabian Peninsula facing extreme water scarcity, experts warn that these assaults could trigger catastrophic humanitarian consequences.
Attacks on Desalination Plants
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Bahrain alleged that Iran used drones to strike a desalination facility on Sunday, just one day after Iran claimed that the United States had attacked a similar plant on Qeshm Island. This incident cut off water supplies to 30 villages, raising alarm bells about the vulnerability of essential infrastructure in a region where natural freshwater sources are nearly nonexistent.
Experts note that while earlier strikes may have caused collateral damage, the recent assaults mark a significant shift in strategy, indicating a deliberate targeting of water facilities. David Michel, a senior fellow for water security, stated, “This marks a significant increase in the potential risk, signalling a willingness to compromise critical civilian infrastructure.”
The Fragility of Water Supply
With only 2 per cent of the world’s renewable freshwater, the Middle East is home to some of the fastest-growing urban areas. Gulf nations have invested heavily in desalination technology, relying on these plants for the majority of their drinking water—90 per cent in Kuwait and the UAE, 86 per cent in Oman, and 70 per cent in Saudi Arabia. However, these facilities are alarmingly vulnerable.
Lalit Mohan, a water management consultant, highlighted that “damage to any one part can halt water delivery,” pointing to the interconnected nature of desalination plants and their power supplies. Ed Cullinane, Middle East Editor at Global Water Intelligence, echoed this sentiment, stating that desalination facilities are as exposed as other civilian infrastructure, making them easy targets amidst the ongoing conflict.
Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities
The threat to water security is not limited to physical attacks. Iran has previously shown a capacity for cyber warfare, having infiltrated various water systems, including those in the United States. Michel warned that Gulf states could face similar cyber threats, with the potential for attacks to be executed discreetly, making attribution difficult.
Despite being aware of these vulnerabilities for years, Gulf nations have struggled to fortify their water supply systems. While some emergency measures exist, the interconnectivity of these plants means that any significant attack could lead to widespread water shortages. Historical assessments reveal that the Gulf relies heavily on a limited number of plants, each of which remains exposed to sabotage.
The Broader Implications
Plans for a cohesive Gulf-wide water strategy have been discussed but never materialised, largely due to distrust among nations. Ironically, Iran, facing severe water scarcity itself, could become a victim of its own long-term mismanagement of resources. President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that Tehran might face a humanitarian crisis due to worsening water shortages, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
In the context of international humanitarian law, the targeting of civilian facilities raises grave ethical questions. Dr Evelyne Schmid, a professor of international law, stated, “Desalination plants are civil objects – they must never be targeted, and doing so is a serious violation of international law.”
Why it Matters
The deliberate targeting of water infrastructure in the Middle East highlights a troubling trend where essential resources become pawns in warfare. With 83 per cent of the region’s population already facing severe water scarcity, these attacks risk igniting wider humanitarian crises. As civilians grapple with the consequences of conflict, the strategic implications of targeting water sources could lead to increased demands for ceasefires and interventions. The stakes have never been higher, as access to water—an essential human right—hangs in the balance amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.
