Qatar’s PM warns that attacking Iran’s nuclear sites would contaminate Gulf waters, endangering life in Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait, which depend on desalinated water. He calls for diplomatic solutions amidst U.S. pressure on Iran and outlines Qatar’s water security efforts in light of regional risks.
In a recent statement, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani cautioned that an assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities would severely contaminate the Gulf waters, endangering life in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. The inhabitants of these nations, comprising over 18 million people, rely heavily on desalinated water sourced from the Gulf due to limited natural water reserves.
Sheikh Mohammed emphatically stated that an attack would result in the Gulf having “no water, no fish, nothing … no life.” Concurrently, U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his stance on negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran, coupled with a robust campaign to isolate the nation from the global economy by driving its oil exports to zero.
The Prime Minister advocated for diplomatic resolutions to avert military action against Iran, predicting that conflict could escalate and engulf the entire region. He emphasized that Qatar is firmly against military intervention, insisting, “there is no way that Qatar would support any kind of military step.”
Sheikh Mohammed revealed that Qatar assessed its vulnerability to water supply depletion within three days post any attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. In response, Qatar has constructed 15 large concrete reservoirs to secure its emergency water stockpile, particularly as summer temperatures can reach 50°C.
It is noteworthy that some of Iran’s nuclear sites are situated closer to Doha than they are to Tehran, including Iran’s only functional nuclear power plant located at Bushehr. Qatar maintains a strategic relationship with the U.S., hosting the largest American military base in the Middle East while also nurturing ties with Iran, sharing a gas field that is the world’s largest.
In conclusion, Qatar’s Prime Minister has expressed serious concerns regarding the ramifications of a military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities, highlighting the risk of environmental and humanitarian crises in the Gulf region. He emphasizes the necessity of diplomatic measures over military intervention while recognizing the geopolitical complexities involving Iran, the U.S., and Gulf states.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
