Qatar’s Prime Minister warns that an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could contaminate Gulf waters, threatening life in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. Emphasizing the need for diplomacy, he expressed concerns over the potential consequences of military action, including the depletion of essential water supplies. Additionally, Qatar has taken steps to bolster its emergency water reserves in light of these risks.
In a recent statement, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani raised concerns that an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities would lead to severe contamination of the Gulf waters, endangering the livelihoods of the populations in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. He highlighted that these nations possess limited natural water reserves, and their main source of potable water is desalinated from the Gulf.
The Prime Minister warned that such an attack could result in a disastrous scenario where the Gulf would be devoid of water, fish, and consequently all forms of life. He emphasized the need for diplomatic negotiations to avert a military strike, stating that it would escalate into a widespread conflict across the region.
Sheikh Mohammed firmly expressed Qatar’s stance against any military action, insisting on pursuing diplomatic resolutions instead. In an interview, he remarked that Qatar could not risk its water supply, emphasizing the gravity of potential fallout from an attack on Iranian nuclear sites, which are geographically closer to Doha than Tehran.
The Prime Minister noted that in light of this threat, Qatar had previously assessed its vulnerability and implemented measures to enhance its water reserves, including the construction of large concrete reservoirs. He pointed out that the only operational Iranian nuclear power plant is located on the Gulf coast at Bushehr, underscoring the proximity of such installations to Gulf nations.
Gas-rich Qatar is strategically aligned with the U.S. and hosts its largest military base in the Middle East. Despite its close ties with America, Qatar maintains a relationship with Iran due to their shared interests, particularly in the gas sector.
Since President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018, tensions have escalated, with Iran exceeding the agreed limitations on its nuclear advancements following the reinstatement of sanctions by the U.S.
In conclusion, the Qatar Prime Minister’s statements underscore the critical implications of any military engagement with Iran, particularly concerning water safety in the Gulf region. The necessity for diplomatic discussions is emphasized to prevent environmental disaster and regional conflict. Qatar’s proactive measures in enhancing its emergency water supply reflect the serious concerns over potential contamination from Iranian nuclear sites, directly impacting the lives of millions in the Gulf states.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
