Hydro War Crime

Mar 24, 2026 | Naseer Memon
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Water is as precious a commodity as oil for countries of the Middle East. In the absence of freshwater resources, the region relies heavily on expensive, desalinated water. During the current war in the Gulf, the protagonists have not only aimed projectiles at oil depots, they have also decimated two water purification plants. If more water plants are targeted, the fallout could be worse than the consequences of blasting oil stocks. Iran has claimed that the US attacked a freshwater desalination plant on Qeshm Island, disconnecting water supply to 30 villages. Bahrain has accused Iran of a drone attack, which has damaged a water desalination plant. Iran has warned it will target water desalination units if its power plants are attacked. An alarmed EU has called for a moratorium on strikes against energy and water facilities during the war.