Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on March 7 condemned the attack that Tehran claims was carried out by the US on a seawater desalination plant on Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf. According to him, the incident could set a dangerous precedent in the context of escalating conflict in the Middle East.
On social network X, Mr. Araghchi said that attacks targeting civilian infrastructure such as desalination plants have affected the water supply of about 30 villages. He called this "a dangerous act causing serious consequences". The Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized that the US attack on Iran's infrastructure has created a precedent and implies that Tehran may respond with similar measures.
On the same day, Mr. Araghchi warned that Iran has prepared for the possibility of escalating relations with the US if that is what President Donald Trump wants. He said that the US administration must take full responsibility for Iran's increased actions to exercise its right to self-defense.
According to Iranian state media, just hours after this announcement, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards launched attacks on the Jufair naval base in Bahrain, where the US 5th Fleet is based.
Security experts believe that targeting desalination facilities could significantly increase the level of danger of the conflict. The Gulf Cooperation Council region currently has more than 400 desalination plants, providing about 40% of the world's desalination water and is the main drinking water source for many countries in the region.
In Kuwait, about 90% of domestic water comes from desalination plants. This rate is 86% in Oman, 70% in Saudi Arabia and 42% in the United Arab Emirates. The fact that these facilities become targets of attacks could have serious consequences for water security and people's lives.
Previously, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Tehran would stop attacking neighboring countries, unless attacks on Iran originated from their territory. However, new developments show that this stance could change if Iran believes that its infrastructure continues to be targeted.
According to analysts, the fact that the parties are starting to target water infrastructure may open a new dangerous phase of the conflict, as desalination water is considered a vital factor for Gulf countries.
In the context of increasing tensions, Iran is also facing a transitional period of leadership. The Expert Council of 88 senior clerics is expected to meet to select a new Supreme Leader after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei passed away. According to Fars news agency, the selection process could be carried out online after two council facilities were attacked by the Israeli army.
While there is no new Supreme Leader, the power to appoint and dismiss military officials as well as the power to declare war is transferred to the Interim Leadership Council including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i and Vice President of the Council of Experts Alireza Arafi.
