The attempt to reach an agreement to conclude the US-Iran conflict with a Memorandum of Understanding has faced initial hurdles due to the threat posed by Hezbollah to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes including this conflict in the settlement, while Tehran insists on its inclusion to safeguard its Hezbollah proxy. However, recent events, such as Iran downing a £60 million US Apache helicopter and subsequent extensive US strikes on Iran, have diminished prospects for immediate peace.
In a significant military move, the US launched 49 Tomahawk missiles, amounting to a costly £147 million, from its naval forces in the Gulf. The strikes primarily targeted communication and radar facilities but also reportedly hit two water reservoirs, raising concerns about potential shifts in American military strategies. The impact on the civilian population living in the affected area, already grappling with water shortages due to drought and agricultural demands, is expected to be severe.
These targeted strikes, if intentional, serve dual purposes: issuing a warning and exerting pressure on Tehran. By targeting essential water resources, the US aims to apply leverage on Iran to negotiate a settlement. Despite sustained pressure through airstrikes, Tehran has maintained its military capabilities, including medium-range missiles and drones. The deliberate targeting of water facilities raises ethical and legal concerns, as such actions violate international humanitarian laws protecting civilian infrastructure.
Attacks on water installations are considered desperate measures and potential violations of humanitarian law. According to international regulations, desalination plants are civilian objects crucial for civilian survival and must not be targeted in conflicts. The deliberate destruction of such infrastructure constitutes a war crime under international humanitarian law. However, recent actions suggest a disregard for these laws, indicating a concerning trend in the approach to conflict resolution.
