Iranian Attacks Compromise Kuwait’s Essential Infrastructure

On Friday, Iranian strikes targeted a power and water desalination plant in Kuwait, causing significant damage to one of the country’s principal sources of drinking water. This incident marks the latest in a series of attacks on critical infrastructure across the Middle East. The region, known for its aridity, relies heavily on technology to generate freshwater necessary for urban areas, the hospitality industry, industrial activities, and limited agricultural practices.

Kuwaiti authorities reported extensive damage to power generation units, with the attack sparking a fire. They managed to contain the fire, initiating emergency protocols to address the situation. Desalination plays a crucial role in water supply, with around 90% of Kuwait’s drinking water produced through this process. In neighboring countries, Oman and Saudi Arabia rely on desalination for about 86% and 70% of their drinking water, respectively. The desalination process involves removing salt from seawater, often through reverse osmosis, which uses ultrafine membranes.

The Persian Gulf coast houses hundreds of desalination plants, making millions of people dependent on systems vulnerable to Iranian missile or drone strikes. Loss of these facilities would severely impact the ability of major cities to support their populations. While international attention often focuses on how the Iran conflict affects energy prices, the vulnerability of water infrastructure is equally significant. The Strait of Hormuz has become a hotspot for conflict, causing disruptions in global markets and driving oil prices to unprecedented levels.

Recent months have seen Iran repeatedly target desalination plants in the Gulf. Damage was previously reported at Kuwait’s Doha West desalination facility due to debris from intercepted drones and nearby port attacks. Tensions have also led to strikes on desalination facilities beyond Kuwait; Iran accused the U.S. of hitting desalination plants on Qeshm Island in March, affecting water supply to about 30 villages, though the U.S. did not acknowledge this action. Additionally, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have targeted Saudi desalination plants.

Many Gulf desalination installations are integrated with power stations, functioning as co-generation facilities. Consequently, damage to electrical infrastructure poses a risk to water production. The desalination process comprises several stages, including intake, treatment, and energy supply. Disruptions in any link of this chain can halt production.

For years, Gulf governments and U.S. officials have understood the critical nature of these systems for regional stability. A significant hit to key desalination plants could deplete drinking water supplies in cities within days. A 2010 CIA analysis highlighted that attacks on desalination facilities could precipitate national crises in Gulf states. Long-lasting outages might extend for months if crucial components were completely destroyed.

This analysis noted over 90% of the region’s desalinated water originates from 56 plants, each vulnerable to sabotage or military strikes. Desalination plants also face threats from climate change, including storm surges and intense rainfall that can overwhelm infrastructure. Rising ocean temperatures increase cyclone frequency and intensity in the Arabian Sea.

Associated Press reporter Melanie Lidman provided additional information from Tel Aviv.

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