Iran war exposes Gulf's greatest vulnerability: It's water, not oil
India Today
Recent attacks and allegations surrounding desalination facilities in the Gulf have revived fears that the Iran war could spill over into the Middle East's fragile water systems, triggering a humanitarian crisis. Not just oil, drinking water could be in the crosshairs too.
It has long been said that World War Three, whenever that happens, could be over water. That's how scarce drinking water is. The scarcity is most evident in the Gulf countries, which have a desert-type of climate. That potable water could become the target of war became clear as water as desalination plants were targeted and threatened as part of the ongoing Iran war.
As the conflict that erupted on February 28 between the US, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate, global markets have anxiously watched the Persian Gulf's energy infrastructure. However, a far more existential threat is quietly emerging from the crossfire: the region's highly vulnerable water supply.
Analysts warn that the true casualty of this widening war might not be petroleum, but the centralised desalination plants that keep the Middle East's major cities habitable. Recent days have seen a dangerous escalation, with both sides accusing the other of targeting the lifeblood of the region's civilian population.
Due to lack of fresh water in the Middle East, countries use desalination plants to make the available water, which is high in salt content, fit for human consumption. Around 60% of the world's desalination plants are in this region. The high-dependency of Arab countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, on water treatment plants makes them high-value targets.
Targeting of water treatment plants in war is an attack on the civilian population. But the unspoken taboo of targeting civilian water infrastructure on a large scale appears to be fast eroding.
On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi fiercely condemned the US for what he called a "blatant and desperate crime", alleging a US strike severely damaged a freshwater desalination plant on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off water to 30 villages.
A father travelling with his toddler addressed fellow passengers ahead of a flight, asking for patience and understanding if his child became unsettled.
The lottery system for a segment of Green Cards, known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa programme, has been restarted. However, the stricter rules being enforced by the US won't impact Indian Green Card aspirants. Here's why.
Instead of putting an end to rumours, the video has triggered another wave of speculation about Netanyahu's fate. Several users on 'X' (formerly Twitter) have claimed that the video posted on 'X' was an AI-generated deepfake.
US jets strike military facilities near Iran's Chabahar free trade zone
The video, recorded inside the train coach, shows the compartment littered with snack packets, water bottles, soiled spoons and bedsheets scattered on the floor.
The US is planning to deploy a third aircraft carrier in the Middle East amid the war with Iran. Aircraft carriers, one of the most expensive defence systems, are floating military bases that project power. Here's how aircraft carriers are used and where India stands.
Donald Trump warned that Nato could face a 'very bad' future if member states fail to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and to support Washington's efforts amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.
When we look at Iran through the prism of religion and see a Shia Islamic country, we negate its thousands of years of rich pre-Islamic Persian culture. A dive into the world of Zoroastrianism and Vedas shows us how Indians and Iranians have been sharing languages, Gods, sciences and a sacred fire for thousands of years.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded directly to his death rumours by releasing a new video intended to show he was alive and continuing his duties.
A couple and two children were killed when Israeli fire hit their car in the West Bank. Two injured boys survived, their story reveals the terrifying final moments inside the vehicle.
A Bengaluru resident's social media video documenting his struggle with severe traffic congestion on his short daily commute has drawn attention to the persistent problem faced by city commuters.
A CISF officer at Delhi's Terminal 3 tracked down a passenger who left his passport at security after arriving from the US, earning public thanks and highlighting the agency's commitment to service.
In a post on X, Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, said, "I've heard that the remaining members of Epstein's network have devised a conspiracy to create an incident similar to 9/11 and blame Iran for it."