Qatar’s PM warns an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites could contaminate Gulf waters, threatening water supplies for Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait. He advocates for diplomacy to avoid military conflict. Trump’s maximum pressure strategy on Iran complicates the situation, as Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons. Qatar has prepared emergency water supplies due to potential risks from nearby Iranian facilities.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has cautioned that an assault on Iran’s nuclear sites could result in severe contamination of Gulf waters, jeopardizing water supplies for Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. These nations rely heavily on desalinated water from the Gulf to meet the needs of their more than 18 million residents. He emphasized, “no water, no fish, nothing … no life” would remain.
The concerns arise amidst U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a new nuclear agreement with Iran and the reintroduction of a “maximum pressure” strategy to undermine Iran’s economy and oil exports. To avert military action, Sheikh Mohammed has advocated a diplomatic resolution to prevent escalating conflict across the region.
During an interview with Tucker Carlson, he stated, “There is no way that Qatar would support any kind of military step … we will not give up until we see a diplomatic solution.” Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons and stated it will not be coerced into negotiations.
Sheikh Mohammed revealed that Qatar identified a potential shortage of drinkable water within three days in the event of an attack on Iranian facilities, prompting the construction of large water reservoirs to secure emergency supplies. He noted that some Iranian nuclear facilities are closer to Doha than Tehran, highlighting the immediate risks faced by Gulf states.
While Qatar maintains a strategic alliance with the U.S. hosting significant military resources, it also shares ties with Iran through a mutual gas field. Trump’s earlier withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 has led to Iran exceeding established nuclear limits following renewed sanctions.
In summary, the potential fallout from an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites poses significant risks to the Gulf states’ water supply, threatening the lives of millions. Qatar’s Prime Minister has highlighted the dire consequences such military action would entail, advocating instead for diplomatic solutions to prevent escalating regional tensions. The balance of relations between the U.S., Iran, and Gulf allies remains complex, particularly after the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal and subsequent developments.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
