Water has long played a multifaceted role in warfare, serving as a weapon, a target, a strategic lever, and a life-sustaining resource. It is indispensable not only for drinking but also for maritime security and economic stability. In early March 2026, the Iranian Foreign Ministry accused Israel of targeting desalination facilities on Qeshm Island, a claim Israel denied. Around the same time, Bahrain reported that Iranian drones caused material damage, though water supplies were not disrupted. These incidents reflect a broader pattern in which water infrastructure is increasingly drawn into geopolitical contestation.

Water has historically been used as a weapon in more direct ways. For example, during the 1948 Palestine War, Israeli paramilitary forces reportedly poisoned Palestinian wells with typhoid bacteria. Today, disruptions tend to be more indirect but are equally impactful. Gaza, for instance, often faces power outages that stop water treatment, jeopardizing access to safe drinking water. Recognizing these risks, countries are investing in protective measures. Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Strategic Water Reservoir aims to prevent sudden supply disruptions, while Qatar, with its 15 large concrete reservoirs, still risks running out of potable water within three days if supply is cut off. These situations highlight that, in West Asia, water may be more vital for survival than oil.

Water scarcity remains a structural constraint across West Asia, driven by low annual rainfall (20–40 cm), extreme temperatures, rapid population growth, and limited freshwater resources. Countries such as Yemen, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq rank among the most water-stressed globally. This scarcity is compounded by high per capita consumption, reaching about 550 liters per day in the UAE and exceeding 500 liters in Bahrain and Kuwait. Climate change and desertification further intensify these pressures, steadily diminishing already fragile water reserves.

The implications extend beyond basic consumption. Water is central to food security, yet limited access has forced regional agriculture into decline, increasing dependence on food imports. According to the Atlantic Council, attacks on desalination infrastructure could trigger cascading effects, including humanitarian crises, economic instability, the collapse of public services, strain on healthcare systems, and widespread power outages. Moreover, shared water resources remain a persistent source of geopolitical tension, necessitating complex transboundary cooperation and diplomacy.

In response to these structural constraints, desalination has emerged as a critical technological solution. Across the Gulf, it now constitutes a primary source of freshwater, particularly for urban populations. However, desalination is energy-intensive, costly, and environmentally consequential. It contributes to marine ecosystem degradation, increased ocean salinity, and depletion of essential minerals. Despite these drawbacks, dependence is extensive: Kuwait and Bahrain rely on desalination for nearly 90% of their drinking water; Oman for around 80%; Saudi Arabia for approximately 70%; and the UAE for between 42% and 50%. In effect, desalination is not merely a technological option but a strategic necessity for regional survival.

The vulnerability of desalination infrastructure has therefore become a critical security concern. The Geneva Water Hub emphasizes that access to water is a fundamental human right and must be protected during conflict under international humanitarian law. Yet recent reports indicate that desalination facilities in Iran and Bahrain have been targeted, affecting water access in multiple localities. Similar damage has been reported in Kuwait and the UAE. Given the geographic concentration and visibility of such infrastructure, particularly in Iran, these facilities are highly susceptible to attack. The consequences of large-scale disruption would extend beyond drinking water shortages to include power outages, urban paralysis, and potential mass displacement.

Investing in desalination underscores its vital role, and Gulf states have collectively invested about $53.4 billion in these efforts since 2006. Saudi Arabia alone aims to increase its investment to nearly $80 billion. Collaborative projects also demonstrate a shared commitment to addressing water challenges. In 2022, the UAE, Israel, and Jordan reached a water-for-energy agreement, Jordan will supply Israel with solar energy in exchange for desalinated water, helping ease Jordan's significant water stress. Additionally, the Saudi Water Authority has launched the Saudi Arabia Technology Deal 2025 to promote sustainable water management. Water is essential for fertilizer production, but a shortage in West Asia could trigger a global food crisis, as the region accounts for 46% of worldwide fertilizer output. Ongoing conflicts have already caused fertilizer shortages, threatening the agricultural sector, especially with the Strait of Hormuz closed. Disruptions in water supply threaten not only water security but also energy and food supplies, risking widespread instability. Because many West Asian countries rely on imported water, shortages could prompt urgent, costly measures that intensify environmental challenges. For example, Iran is currently facing a severe drought that has persisted for five years, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable water management. 

The continuation of hostilities among Iran, Israel, and the United States risks triggering a large-scale humanitarian and resource crisis. The strategic centrality of West Asia means that disruptions reverberate globally. Gulf countries account for roughly 40% of the world’s desalinated water output, and any interruption would have immediate international consequences. Countries such as India, Brazil, and several African states are already facing energy pressures linked to regional instability. A breakdown in water systems would amplify these stresses, affecting energy production and human security worldwide.

In this context, de-escalation is not merely a political imperative but a systemic necessity. Prolonged conflict risks severe disruption to ecosystems, food systems, and civilian life. International actors, particularly the United Nations, must prioritize protecting critical water infrastructure and establish de-escalation mechanisms. Without such intervention, the region faces a compounded crisis in which water insecurity triggers broader economic, environmental, and humanitarian breakdowns.

Dr. Karamala Areesh Kumar, Head, Department of International Relations, Peace and Public Policy (IRP and PP), St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru (India) and Tahreem Asim, Student of International Relations at St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru (India)

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• West Asia, Iran War, USA, Water Conflict, Israel