WANA (Mar 22) – Iran has warned it could target desalination plants in the Gulf in response to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, raising concerns over water security in the region.

 

Currently, there are nearly 450 desalination facilities across the Persian Gulf. Iran relies on desalination for only 3% of its water needs, while U.S. allies in the region depend on these plants for 40% to 90% of their freshwater supply.

 

Despite the large number of facilities, each country has a few key plants whose destruction could severely disrupt water access. For example:

 

  • Israel relies on five main plants—Hadera, Sorek, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Palmachim—for 80% of its drinking water.

 

  • Bahrain depends on four major desalination plants for 60% of its water supply.

 

  • The United Arab Emirates relies on five large plants, including the critical Jebel Ali facility.

 

Experts warn that striking even a small number of these key facilities could have immediate and widespread consequences for water availability in the region.

Water desalination plants in Persian Gulf. social media/ WANA News Agency

Water desalination plants in Persian Gulf. social media/ WANA News Agency