Iran has warned it will target water and energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf if the United States attacks its power plants, raising fears of widespread disruption in a region heavily reliant on desalination for drinking water. The threat comes as US President Donald Trump gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face destruction of its energy infrastructure.
According to reports, such an attack on Iran's electricity could be catastrophic for Gulf neighbours, which consume around five times as much power per capita. Electricity powers desalination plants that provide 100% of water in Bahrain and Qatar, over 80% in the United Arab Emirates, and 50% in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol warned the global energy crisis is more severe than the 1973 and 1979 oil crises combined, with 11 million barrels per day lost. He suggested measures such as working from home and reduced speed limits to save fuel.
Separately, Saudi Arabia's defence ministry said it intercepted two ballistic missiles fired towards Riyadh and destroyed a drone in the eastern region. The Israeli military also launched extensive strikes on Tehran targeting Iranian infrastructure.
