Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة تضرب المنشآت المائية الإيرانية، مما يزيد من تصعيد النزاع الإقليمي

The United States launched airstrikes on Iranian water facilities, marking a significant escalation in hostilities during the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. This military action follows the downing of a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, which President Donald Trump attributed to Iranian forces. According to Al Jazeera, the attacks targeted communications and radar installations, but also damaged civilian infrastructure, including two water reservoirs critical for local residents.

The airstrikes began late Tuesday, with the US military describing them as self-defense against what it termed “unjustified Iranian aggression.” Iranian officials reported that the strikes caused significant damage, particularly in the town of Sirik, where two concrete water storage reservoirs were hit. These reservoirs are vital, providing drinking water to over 20,000 residents in the city of Kouhestak and 10 surrounding villages, which are already struggling with severe water shortages.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated by targeting US military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. The US military’s actions have drawn sharp criticism, with Iranian officials labeling the strikes as a potential war crime, as international humanitarian law protects civilian water infrastructure during conflicts.

The situation in Iran is dire, with the country grappling with a prolonged drought and severe water scarcity. The reservoirs hit in the recent strikes are part of a broader struggle as Iran faces an ongoing water crisis, exacerbated by years of mismanagement and climate challenges. Initial damage estimates from the strikes range between $780,000 to $830,000, further complicating the humanitarian situation in the region.