Iran Strike on Bahrain Desalination Plant Raises Gulf Water Security Concerns

Experts warn attacks on desalination facilities could threaten drinking water supply across the Gulf, where most water comes from the sea.

Publish date: Monday، 09 March 2026 Reading time: 1 min read

Iran Strike on Bahrain Desalination Plant Raises Gulf Water Security Concerns

Add As A Preferred Source On Google

A reported Iranian strike on a desalination facility in Bahrain has sparked concerns about water security across the Gulf, where desalinated seawater is the main source of drinking water.

Analysts say the incident signals a potential shift in targets during the ongoing regional tensions.

“Iran is moving on from striking assets that hurt Gulf economies and global energy markets to ones that will have a material effect on the livelihoods of Gulf citizens,” said Neil Quilliam from Chatham House.

Gulf heavily reliant on desalination

Countries across the Gulf depend heavily on desalination to supply water for homes and businesses.

According to regional data, around 5,000 desalination plants operate across the Middle East, producing about 28.96 million cubic metres of water daily. This accounts for roughly 41.8% of the world’s desalinated water capacity.

Saudi Arabia leads global desalination capacity

The Saudi Arabia holds the largest share of desalination production in the region.

The kingdom alone accounts for around 15.6% of global desalination capacity, producing roughly 10.8 million cubic metres of water per day.

With such heavy reliance on desalination infrastructure, analysts warn that attacks on these facilities could have serious implications for daily life and water supply across Gulf countries.

To read the full story for free, please enter your e-mail

Thank you for your subscription, you will receive our Newsletter shortly

Iran Strike on Bahrain Desalination Plant Raises Gulf Water Security Concerns

Gulf heavily reliant on desalination

Saudi Arabia leads global desalination capacity

Related articles