Qatar’s Prime Minister warns that an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites would contaminate Gulf waters, threatening life in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait. He urges for diplomacy instead of military action, emphasizing the reliance on desalinated water. Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons and rejects coercive negotiations, while Qatar enhances its emergency water reserves.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has issued a grave warning regarding the potential consequences of an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He stated that such an act would result in the complete contamination of Gulf waters, endangering life in Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, as these nations are heavily reliant on desalinated water sourced from the Gulf. Consequently, the lives of over 18 million residents in these desert countries would be severely impacted.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that an assault on Iran’s nuclear sites would diminish the Gulf to a state devoid of water, fish, and life itself. His comments coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion of wanting to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran and reinstating a rigorous pressure campaign aimed at isolating Iran from the global economy and diminishing its oil exports.
In light of the escalating tensions, Sheikh Mohammed has called for diplomacy to prevent a military engagement that could incite widespread conflict throughout the region. He firmly assured that Qatar will not condone military actions and will persist in advocating for a diplomatic resolution.
Iran, in its response, has claimed that it does not pursue nuclear armament and has rebuffed any attempts to negotiate under pressure. Sheikh Mohammed noted previous evaluations indicating that Qatar could face a critical shortage of potable water within three days of an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
In preparation, Qatar has constructed 15 large concrete water reservoirs to bolster its emergency water supply. The Prime Minister highlighted the geographical vulnerability, noting that some Iranian nuclear complexes are situated closer to Doha than to Tehran, with Iran’s operational nuclear power plant located at Bushehr on the Gulf coast. Although Qatar is allied with the U.S. and hosts a significant American military installation, it also maintains a cooperative relationship with Iran due to their shared ownership of the world’s largest known gas field.
In summary, the threat posed by potential military actions against Iran’s nuclear sites is significant, with possible dire consequences for Gulf nations reliant on desalinated water. Qatar’s Prime Minister has made a compelling case for pursuing diplomatic avenues to avert conflict, highlighting the environmental and human impacts of warfare. The region’s complex geopolitical situation necessitates careful deliberation and collaboration to ensure the safety and stability of its populations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
