Qatar’s Prime Minister warned that an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites could contaminate Gulf waters, threatening water supplies for millions in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. He emphasized the importance of diplomatic solutions to avoid military escalation and highlighted Qatar’s efforts to secure its water supply amid regional tensions regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.
In a recent statement, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani expressed grave concerns over potential military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities. He warned that such an attack would lead to severe contamination of the Gulf waters, significantly jeopardizing the lives of millions residing in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, who rely exclusively on desalinated water from this source.
The warning is underscored by the fact that these three Gulf states have very limited natural water resources and are home to over 18 million people. Sheikh Mohammed stated that a military strike would leave the region devoid of life, emphasizing that it would affect not only the water supply but also aquatic life.
U.S. President Donald Trump has previously suggested opening negotiations with Iran while simultaneously reinstating a “maximum pressure” campaign to limit Iran’s international economic interactions and oil exports. In this context, Sheikh Mohammed advocates for a diplomatic resolution to avoid escalating conflicts that could lead to widespread regional warfare.
He firmly stated that Qatar does not support any military action against Iran and expressed a commitment to exhaust diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions. In recent remarks, he highlighted the precarious situation regarding Qatar’s water supply, noting assessments indicating the risk of potable water depletion in the event of an attack on Iran.
Sheikh Mohammed mentioned that with the extreme summer temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius, Qatar has taken precautionary measures by constructing 15 extensive concrete reservoirs to enhance its emergency water storage. He pointed out the alarming proximity of some Iranian nuclear sites to Doha, posing an immediate threat to Qatar’s security and water supply.
Despite Qatar’s close ally status with the United States, hosting the region’s largest U.S. military base, it maintains a crucial relationship with Iran, especially given their shared ownership of a significant gas field. The geopolitical landscape remains tense, particularly after the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018, which has led to heightened friction in Iran’s nuclear program.
The discussion initiated by Qatar’s Prime Minister emphasizes the critical interdependence between military actions and regional water security in the Gulf. It is imperative that diplomatic routes are pursued to avert potential crises stemming from military conflict, which would have catastrophic implications for millions reliant on desalinated water. Qatar’s proactive measures to secure its water supply further highlight the urgent need for stability in the region amidst prevailing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
