Qatar PM Warns of Water Contamination Risks from Iran Military Action

Qatar’s Prime Minister warns that an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites would contaminate Gulf waters, endangering life in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. He advocates for a diplomatic solution, emphasizing Qatar’s reliance on desalinated water. The article discusses U.S. President Trump’s stance on Iran and the potential ramifications of military action.

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has cautioned that military action against Iran’s nuclear sites would severely contaminate the waters of the Gulf, jeopardizing life in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. These nations rely heavily on desalinated water from the Gulf, as they possess limited natural water resources, supporting over 18 million inhabitants. He emphasized, “an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites would leave the Gulf with no water, no fish, nothing… no life.”

Amid rising tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his pursuit of a new nuclear agreement with Iran while reinstating a “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at economically isolating Iran. In an interview with U.S. media, Sheikh Mohammed expressed that Qatar advocates for a peaceful resolution to avert military conflict, stating, “There is no way that Qatar would support any kind of military step… we will not give up until we see a diplomatic solution.”

Iran has consistently declared that it does not aim to develop nuclear weapons and has shown resistance against external pressures. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted concerns from years past that Qatar could exhaust its potable water supply within three days following a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. In response, Qatar has constructed significant concrete water reservoirs to enhance its emergency water resources.

Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed pointed out that several Iranian nuclear sites are significantly closer to Doha than to Tehran, with Iran’s only functional nuclear power plant located at Bushehr on the Gulf coastline. While Qatar maintains strong ties with the U.S. and hosts the largest American military installation in the region, it also retains connections with Iran due to shared interests, particularly regarding the expansive gas field they both oversee.

Former President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the agreement in 2018 that previously limited Iran’s nuclear activities continues to influence the current geopolitical landscape, as Iran has since exceeded those limitations amid the re-imposition of sanctions.

In summary, the Prime Minister of Qatar has articulated significant concerns regarding the implications of a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Such actions could lead to catastrophic contamination of Gulf waters, directly impacting the water supply for millions in the region. The emphasis on diplomacy over military solutions highlights Qatar’s stance amidst escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, while the broader implications for regional stability remain critical.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com