Iran was already running out of water. Then came the ‘war on infrastructure.’

Following an escalation in attacks on critical energy and water facilities, the conflict involving Israel, the U.S., and Iran has entered a new phase termed the 'war on infrastructure.' On March 18, Israel struck the South Pars gas field, which provides 90% of Iran's domestic energy. Iran retaliated by damaging the Ras Laffan LNG facility in Qatar. The conflict has caused Brent crude to spike to $120 per barrel and threatens desalination plants that provide drinking water to millions in the Gulf. Iran, already facing a six-year drought and 'water bankruptcy' due to mismanagement, faces total system failure if power plants are targeted, as water treatment and distribution rely on electricity. Additionally, Iran has banned food exports to protect domestic supply, while potential toxic contamination from strikes near agricultural lands poses long-term risks to food safety.