Qatar Warns of Environmental Risks from Potential Attack on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

Qatar’s Prime Minister warns that a strike on Iran’s nuclear sites could contaminate Gulf waters, threatening life in Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE. He stresses the need for diplomatic solutions to avoid military conflict, noting the vulnerability of these nations’ water supplies. The situation is complicated by U.S.-Iran relations and Qatar’s strategic alliances.

The Prime Minister of Qatar has cautioned that any attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could lead to severe contamination of Gulf waters, endangering life in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. These nations, which possess minimal natural water resources, depend significantly on desalinated water from the Gulf, serving a population exceeding 18 million. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized the grave consequences, stating that such an attack would leave the Gulf devoid of life-sustaining resources.

In a broader context, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to negotiate a new nuclear agreement with Iran while simultaneously reinforcing a “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s economy. Sheikh Mohammed has advocated for diplomacy to prevent actions that might escalate into widespread regional conflict, asserting Qatar’s refusal to support military measures against Iran.

Iranian authorities have adamantly denied aspirations for nuclear weaponry, with their Supreme Leader asserting resistance to coercion in diplomatic negotiations. Sheikh Mohammed further disclosed Qatar’s vulnerability, revealing that the country could exhaust its potable water supply within three days following an assault on Iranian nuclear sites. Amidst extreme summer temperatures reaching 50C, Qatar has proactively constructed significant water reservoirs to secure its emergency water needs.

In discussing geographical considerations, Sheikh Mohammed noted that some of Iran’s nuclear sites are situated closer to Doha than to Tehran, highlighting the immediate risks for Qatar. Notably, while Qatar cultivates a strong alliance with the U.S. — hosting the largest American military base in the Middle East — it also preserves a cooperative relationship with Iran due to shared interests in their vast gas field.

The dynamics between the U.S. and Iran have been tense since Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018, which had imposed stringent limitations on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for economic relief. Following the reinstatement of sanctions, Iran significantly exceeded the agreed-upon nuclear activity limits, raising regional tensions.

In conclusion, Qatar’s Prime Minister has urgently highlighted the potential disastrous effects of a military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, particularly concerning water contamination in the Gulf. Emphasizing the importance of diplomacy, Sheikh Mohammed seeks to avert escalations that could lead to significant regional conflict. Given the delicate balance of power, Qatar’s security and water supply remain critical issues amidst ongoing U.S.-Iran relations.

Original Source: www.thestar.com.my