US Bombs Iran’s Water Supply as Drought Worsens – Expert Says It’s a “Pressure Tactic”
The United States military has attacked a water reservoir in Iran, which is already suffering its fifth year of drought, according to an expert on peace and conflict research. The move comes as U.S. forces also shot down Iranian drones near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the region.
Iran is in its fifth consecutive year of severe drought, a crisis that has drained water supplies across the country. This week, the United States reportedly targeted a water reservoir in Iran, a development that Stefan Döring, an assistant professor of peace and conflict research, says is designed to weaken Tehran’s position in ongoing negotiations. “The water shortage puts significant pressure on Iran,” Döring said [172564].
Separately, the U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it intercepted and destroyed Iranian drones that were targeting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. CENTCOM stated that “the international trade corridor remains open for transit,” and no injuries or damage to vessels were reported. The drones were launched from Iranian territory, according to U.S. officials, who did not specify the number shot down [171716].
The U.S. Treasury Department also plans to use Iranian assets to help American allies in the Gulf region recover from damage linked to Tehran’s regime, according to a source familiar with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s thinking. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the move aims to offset costs from recent attacks or destabilizing actions tied to Iran [168532].