Tehran (Azat TV) – As of 2026, several nations in the Middle East, particularly those bordering the Persian Gulf, exhibit an extreme reliance on desalination for their domestic water supply, a dependency that has become a significant point of concern amidst escalating regional geopolitical tensions. Analysis of the domestic production mix reveals that countries like Kuwait and Oman depend on desalinated water for over 80% of their needs, with Kuwait utilizing desalination for 90% of its domestic water production and Oman for 86%.
Extreme Desalination Dependency in the Gulf
The latest data from 2026 highlights a stark reality for many Gulf nations: their freshwater security is intricately linked to the continuous operation of desalination plants. Kuwait and Oman are classified as having an ‘Extreme’ dependency level, drawing more than 80% of their domestic water from these facilities. Following closely are Israel and Saudi Arabia, categorized with ‘Very High’ dependency, where desalination accounts for 75% and 70% of their domestic water production, respectively. Bahrain and Qatar fall into the ‘High’ dependency category, with desalination comprising 60% and 50% of their water supply. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) shows a ‘Moderate’ dependency, with 42% of its domestic water coming from desalination.
Iran’s Contrasting Water Sources
In stark contrast, Iran, despite possessing a significant coastline, demonstrates a ‘Minimal’ reliance on desalination, with it accounting for only 2% of its domestic water production. This difference is attributed to Iran’s access to natural freshwater sources, including mountains, rivers, and rainfall. This geographical advantage allows Iran to maintain a more diversified water portfolio, unlike its Gulf neighbors who have heavily invested in and depend on advanced desalination technologies to meet their growing water demands in an arid climate.
Desalination Plants as Potential Targets
The critical reliance of Gulf states on desalination has introduced a new dimension to regional security concerns. Iran has reportedly warned that if the United States or Israel were to bomb Iranian power plants, desalination facilities across the Persian Gulf would also become targets. Given that all Gulf states targeted by such a threat rely on desalination for at least 50% of their domestic water consumption, any disruption to these plants could have catastrophic consequences. The potential for widespread water shortages, impacting millions of people, underscores the vulnerability of these vital infrastructure assets.
The profound dependence of several Gulf nations on desalination plants, highlighted by recent geopolitical warnings from Iran, exposes a critical vulnerability in their water security infrastructure. The potential targeting of these facilities could lead to severe humanitarian and economic crises, emphasizing the urgent need for diversified water management strategies and robust security measures.