Qatar’s Prime Minister warns that an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites would severely contaminate Gulf waters and threaten the livelihoods of millions in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. He emphasizes the need for a diplomatic resolution to prevent military conflict, which could lead to catastrophic consequences for water security in the region. Trump’s push for negotiations contrasts with Iran’s denial of seeking nuclear weapons, complicating the situation further.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, has issued a dire warning that an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities would lead to severe contamination of the Gulf’s waters, posing a significant threat to the lives of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait. These nations, possessing minimal natural water resources, rely heavily on desalinated water from the Gulf, serving their combined population of over 18 million people.
During a recent interview, Sheikh Mohammed stated that such an attack would result in “no water, no fish, nothing … no life” in the Gulf region. He advocates for a diplomatic resolution to avoid a potential military conflict with Iran, which he believes could lead to a widespread war throughout the region. He emphasized that “there is no way that Qatar would support any kind of military step … we will not give up until we see a diplomatic solution.”
U.S. President Donald Trump aims to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran and has called for dialogue, reinstating a “maximum pressure” strategy to isolate Iran economically and diminish its oil exports. Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader insists the country will not be coerced into negotiations as accusations about its nuclear intentions persist.
Qatar had previously assessed its vulnerability, predicting potential drinking water shortages in the wake of military actions against Iran, and has since taken steps to enhance its emergency water systems by constructing 15 large concrete reservoirs. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the geographical proximity of certain Iranian nuclear sites to Doha, arguing that some are closer to Qatar than Tehran.
Moreover, Qatar, which has substantial gas resources and a significant alliance with the U.S., also maintains cooperative relations with Iran, primarily due to their shared gas field interests. The historical context involves Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018, which had previously placed limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanction relief, leading to Iran exceeding those limits after the imposition of renewed sanctions.
The remarks by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani underscore the profound implications of military action against Iran, particularly concerning water security for Gulf states. The call for diplomacy reflects an urgent need to prevent conflict that threatens regional stability and vital water sources essential for millions. As geopolitical tensions heighten, the role of international dialogue remains crucial in addressing nuclear concerns without resorting to warfare.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
