Middle East War: Ecological Crisis Looms Over Gulf Nations, Iran Also In Danger; Know Reasons

Tehran: The escalating conflict between the United States and Tehran has heightened the threat to oil exports passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian attacks have disrupted global oil supplies, leading to a surge in energy prices. Amidst this situation, Iran has issued a new warning regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that, with the exception of vessels linked to the U.S. and Israel, other ships transiting through this corridor will not be intercepted. However, experts caution that attacking oil-laden vessels would be fraught with peril for Iran.

How big a threat is Iranian attacks on ships?

Anas Alhajji, an expert on Middle Eastern affairs, argues that an attack on oil tankers could trigger a new crisis for both Iran and other Gulf nations—regions home to substantial Shia populations. This crisis would primarily revolve around water, as Gulf nations rely heavily on desalination plants for their supply of clean water. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he noted that Iran would certainly not want a massive tanker—carrying two million barrels of crude oil—to explode or spill its cargo near its own coastline.

Is Water Crisis Looming Over Gulf Nations?

He further pointed out that Iran itself depends on over 65 desalination plants situated along the Gulf coast. However, these plants currently meet only a small fraction of Iran's overall water requirements. Yet, he highlighted an even more critical point: neighboring nations are heavily reliant on hundreds of desalination facilities, many of which are located in coastal areas inhabited by large Shia communities.

Alhajji added that these plants provide the bulk of drinking water for regions such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. A large-scale oil spill would contaminate water intake points and could bring water supplies across the entire region to a complete standstill. Such an event could impact millions of people, including members of the Shia community. He concluded by observing that it appears the parties involved in this conflict have lost all sense of self-preservation.

What did Donald Trump say on Strait of Hormuz?

Amidst threats from Iran, Donald Trump has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will be kept open for shipping at all costs. Furthermore, he has appealed to China, France, Britain, Japan, and South Korea to dispatch their warships to ensure the security of this vital corridor. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage situated between Iran, Oman, and the UAE, through which 20 percent of the world's oil exports pass. Iran's largest oil terminal, Kharg Island, is also located in the vicinity of this region.