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Bahrain Says Iranian Drone Hits Manama Desalination Plant as Conflict Threatens Water Systems

The strike underscores the Gulf’s reliance on desalinated water and intensifies concern over attacks on protected civilian infrastructure.

Overview

  • Bahrain’s Interior Ministry reported an Iranian drone struck a desalination facility in Manama on Sunday, accusing Tehran of targeting civilians.
  • The Electricity and Water Authority said the damage did not disrupt water or electricity service to residents.
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the attack as retaliation for a U.S. strike Iran says hit a desalination plant on Qeshm Island, a claim the U.S. has not confirmed.
  • Bahrain also reported three injuries and damage to buildings in Muharraq from falling missile debris the same day.
  • The incident heightens worries about a widening campaign against vital water infrastructure in a region where desalination supplies large shares of drinking water, including roughly 90% in Kuwait, 86% in Oman, 70% in Saudi Arabia, and 42% in the UAE.