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Trump Escalates Threats
Trump threatened to destroy Iran's Kharg Island, power plants, oil wells, and possibly all desalination plants.
“Trump threatened widespread destruction of Iran’s energy resources and other vital infrastructure, potentially including desalination plants”
He tweeted that great progress was being made but warned of broader offensive if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened.
The threat to desalination plants has been widely condemned as illegal under international law and a potential war crime.
Legal Experts Condemn Threat
Targeting desalination plants would be manifestly unlawful.
Article 54 of Additional Protocol I lists drinking water installations as off-limits.
Enforcement against a U.S. president would be nearly impossible.
Region Faces Water and Energy Crisis
Iran relies on desalination for a small share of its water supply.
“Targeting desalination plants could have devastating impacts across the water-starved Middle East”
Gulf Arab states depend on it for the vast majority.
Major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi could not sustain their populations without desalination.
Trump Claims Talks While Threatening
Trump has repeatedly claimed to be making diplomatic progress.
Tehran denies negotiating directly.
Qalibaf dismissed the talks as cover for troop deployments.