Desalination plants across the Gulf are increasingly at risk as fighting between Iran, Israel and the United States intensifies, raising fears that millions could lose access to drinking water. Bahrain accused Iran of damaging one of its plants with a drone strike, while Iran claimed the United States attacked a facility on Qeshm Island, disrupting supplies to dozens of villages. Experts warn that sustained attacks on these sites, or on the energy infrastructure that powers them, could force major cities to evacuate within days.

The region is heavily dependent on desalination, with countries such as Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia deriving most of their drinking water from seawater processed at coastal plants. Many of these facilities are clustered along the Persian Gulf and are vulnerable to missile or drone strikes. Analysts say damaging even a small number of key plants could trigger national crises, as backup supplies in several states are limited.

Scholars argue that targeting water infrastructure may be a strategy to create panic and pressure Gulf governments to push for de-escalation. International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure essential for survival, including water facilities. Beyond immediate military threats, desalination systems also face risks from cyberattacks, climate-driven extreme weather and environmental strain, underscoring the region’s deep vulnerability as conflict continues.