Qatar PM Warns of Catastrophic Consequences from Attack on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
Qatar’s Prime Minister warns that an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites would contaminate Gulf waters, posing a significant threat to Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, which rely on desalinated water. He advocates for a diplomatic resolution, cautioning against the dangers of military conflict. Qatar’s proactive measures to secure water supplies highlight the urgency of the situation amidst rising tensions in the region.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has issued a stark warning regarding the potential consequences of an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which he believes would severely contaminate the Gulf waters and threaten the survival of the populations in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. These nations have limited natural water resources and rely heavily on desalinated water drawn from the Gulf.
Sheikh Mohammed stated that such an attack would leave the Gulf devoid of life, saying it would result in “no water, no fish, nothing … no life.” His remarks underscore the region’s vulnerability, highlighting that over 18 million citizens depend on this water source. The Prime Minister further expressed the urgent need to pursue diplomatic solutions to prevent a military conflict, which he fears could escalate into widespread regional warfare.
In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that Qatar would not support any military action against Iran, asserting, “we will not give up until we see a diplomatic solution.” Meanwhile, Iran has denied intentions to develop nuclear weapons, with its supreme leader rejecting pressure to negotiate. Notably, Qatar previously assessed that within three days of an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, it could face a critical shortage of potable water.
The Gulf state has proactively constructed 15 large concrete water reservoirs to enhance its emergency water supply in light of extreme temperatures reaching 50C during summer. Sheikh Mohammed pointed out that certain Iranian nuclear facilities are positioned closer to Doha than to Tehran. Furthermore, while Qatar enjoys strong military ties with the United States, hosting the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, it also engages with Iran, sharing a significant gas field.
The geopolitical landscape remains tense, particularly following former President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and his subsequent reinstatement of sanctions, which Iran has since exceeded in its nuclear program activities.
In conclusion, the potential for military action against Iran carries severe implications for the Gulf states, particularly regarding their water supply, which is critical for their populations. Qatar’s Prime Minister insists on a diplomatic approach to avoid military escalation, which could disrupt the already fragile environmental conditions in the region. The intertwined geopolitics involving the United States, Iran, and the Gulf states underscore the urgency for dialogue and the need for sustainable solutions to regional tensions.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
