The U.S. and Iran have exchanged threats over critical infrastructure in the Middle East, raising concerns about civilian access to water and energy. U.S. President Donald Trump postponed planned strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, citing "productive talks" to end the war, though Iran denies such negotiations occurred. Meanwhile, Iran threatened to target desalination plants in the Gulf, escalating tensions after strikes on water facilities in Bahrain and Iran.
Civilians Bear the Brunt of Attacks
Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of the UN University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, warned that water has become a "national security" issue in the conflict. He noted that Gulf countries rely heavily on desalination plants, with some having only days or weeks of water reserves if major facilities are hit. Madani also called attacks on energy and water infrastructure "war crimes."
Iran’s Retaliation Threats
Iranian media listed potential targets, including desalination and power plants in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The threats follow Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route, which the UAE’s ADNOC CEO condemned as "economic terrorism."
Military Escalation Continues
Israel and the U.S. have conducted airstrikes against Iran’s military capabilities, while Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israeli communities. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a strike in northern Israel, and Lebanese officials warned of potential ground invasions. Air defenses in Kuwait and the UAE intercepted missile and drone attacks, signaling ongoing hostilities.