Iran has warned that it could cause 'irreversible destruction' to water infrastructure across Gulf states if the US attacks its electricity grid, raising fears of a severe water shortage in the arid region.
The threat targets desalination plants that are vital for drinking water in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, where rainfall is scarce and natural freshwater sources are limited.
Iran has previously acted on similar threats during the conflict, striking a desalination plant in Bahrain after one of its own facilities was hit, according to reports.
Any disruption to desalination operations could have catastrophic consequences for civilian populations and economies that rely heavily on these facilities for their daily water supply.
