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The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has entered a perilous new phase, as recent attacks on desalination plants have highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in a region already grappling with acute water scarcity. With both Bahrain and Iran accusing each other of strikes on vital water facilities, experts warn that such escalations could turn water resources into instruments of warfare, raising concerns about the humanitarian implications for millions reliant on these systems.
A Dangerous New Front
Over the weekend, the conflict intensified when Bahrain accused Iran of launching a drone attack on one of its desalination plants. This incident followed Iran’s claim that the United States had struck a desalination facility on Qeshm Island, disrupting water supplies to thirty villages. As the Arabian Peninsula is predominantly arid, these plants serve as the sole reliable source of drinking water, making them critical to the survival of millions.
Analysts note that while previous strikes may have inadvertently affected water infrastructure, this marks the first instance where such critical facilities have been deliberately targeted. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, condemned the US action as a “blatant and desperate crime”, asserting that the precedent for targeting water infrastructure was set by Washington, not Tehran.
Fragile Infrastructure Under Threat
The Middle East, which contains a mere 2 per cent of the world’s renewable freshwater, is home to some of the fastest-growing urban centres globally. Countries like Kuwait and the UAE derive around 90 per cent of their drinking water from desalination, while Oman and Saudi Arabia rely on these facilities for 86 per cent and 70 per cent of their water needs, respectively.
However, the fragility of these plants presents a significant risk. Experts like Lalit Mohan, a water management consultant, highlight that any damage to the infrastructure can halt water delivery entirely. Many desalination facilities are integrated with power stations, meaning an attack on power supply can severely disrupt operations without a direct assault on the plants themselves.
Ed Cullinane, editor at Global Water Intelligence, points out that desalination plants are exposed to the same vulnerabilities as oil terminals and civilian infrastructure. Should either party decide to target water facilities, their lack of protection renders them as susceptible to attack as prominent landmarks in the Gulf region.
Cyber Warfare: An Additional Threat
The threat to these facilities extends beyond physical attacks. Iran has a history of employing cyber tactics to compromise water systems, including past incidents where it successfully infiltrated control systems in New York and tampered with US water treatment facilities. Experts warn that similar attacks against Gulf states’ desalination infrastructure could be executed with plausible deniability, complicating the geopolitical landscape further.
Despite the well-documented vulnerabilities of their water supplies, Gulf nations have struggled to bolster security measures. While some emergency storage exists, the interconnectedness of water distribution systems means that damage to one facility could jeopardise the entire supply chain. A leaked 2008 US State Department cable indicated that Riyadh could face evacuation within a week if its main desalination plant were significantly damaged, revealing the dire consequences of such an attack.
The Humanitarian Implications
The discussions surrounding a unified Gulf water strategy have yet to materialise, primarily due to entrenched mistrust among nations. Ironically, Iran faces severe long-term water challenges of its own, with depleted reservoirs and stressed rivers leading to competition between urban areas and agriculture for dwindling groundwater resources. This precarious situation has sparked warnings from officials like President Masoud Pezeshkian, who cautioned that Tehran could one day face mass evacuations if water shortages escalate.
According to the World Resources Institute, 83 per cent of the Middle East’s population already confronts severe water scarcity. This reality highlights the humanitarian crisis looming on the horizon, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and the potential for further strikes on vital water infrastructure.
Legal experts are increasingly concerned about the implications of targeting civilian infrastructure under international humanitarian law. Dr Evelyne Schmid, a professor of international law, asserts that desalination facilities are civilian objects that should never be attacked. Such actions would constitute a serious violation of international law, necessitating thorough investigations into any incidents.
Why it Matters
The weaponisation of water in the Middle East conflict not only poses a significant threat to civilian populations but also raises profound ethical and legal questions. As the region’s most fundamental resource comes under siege, the potential for a humanitarian disaster looms large. The international community must recognise the gravity of this situation, advocating for the protection of critical infrastructure to prevent further escalation and suffering in a region already beleaguered by conflict.
