Qatar PM Warns of Water Contamination Risks from Military Action Against Iran
Qatar’s Prime Minister warns that military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites could contaminate Gulf waters, impacting vital water supplies for Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. He advocates for diplomacy over conflict amid U.S. pressures and emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a safe water supply in the region.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, has raised alarms regarding the ramifications of military actions against Iran’s nuclear facilities, stating such an attack could “entirely contaminate” Gulf waters, endangering the water supply for Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. These nations depend predominantly on desalinated water derived from the Gulf to sustain their populations, exceeding 18 million people.
The Prime Minister emphasized that an assault on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure would lead to “no water, no fish, nothing … no life” in the region. His remarks coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran, aiming to isolate its economy and diminish oil exports while indicating a willingness to negotiate a nuclear deal with Tehran.
Sheikh Mohammed advocated for diplomatic resolutions to avert a potential military confrontation that could escalate into regional conflict. He firmly 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,” during an interview with Tucker Carlson.
Iran, asserting its non-pursuit of nuclear weapons, has denied attempts at coercion in diplomatic negotiations. Sheikh Mohammed noted that Qatar had previously assessed the significant risk of potable water scarcity following a potential military strike, prompting the construction of 15 considerable concrete water reservoirs to enhance emergency water provisions in the desert state.
The Prime Minister emphasized the geographical proximity of some Iranian nuclear sites to Qatar, suggesting these sites pose a direct threat to his country. Despite being a key ally of the U.S., hosting its largest military base in the Middle East, Qatar maintains a cooperative relationship with Iran, stemming from their shared ownership of a vast gas field. Additionally, Trump’s previous withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 has led Iran to exceed agreed limits on its nuclear activity.
In summary, Qatar’s Prime Minister has voiced serious concerns regarding the potential contamination of Gulf waters due to military actions against Iran’s nuclear facilities. His appeal for diplomatic solutions reflects the precarious situation faced by Gulf nations, which rely heavily on desalinated water. Furthermore, the geopolitical dynamics highlight Qatar’s balancing act between U.S. alliances and relations with Iran, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in mitigating regional tensions.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
