The warning, delivered by Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari and echoed by senior officials, marked a sharp escalation in rhetoric as the conflict entered its fourth week, raising concerns over potential disruption to critical infrastructure in Gulf countries heavily dependent on desalination for drinking water.

Trump’s ultimatum, issued late Saturday, set a deadline of approximately 7:45 p.m. EDT on Monday for Iran to reopen the strategic waterway, through which roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies typically pass. He said the United States would strike Iranian power plants if Tehran failed to comply.

Iranian officials said any attack on its energy facilities would trigger a broad response targeting U.S.-aligned assets across the region. Zolfaqari stated that energy infrastructure, information technology systems and desalination plants linked to the United States and its regional allies would be considered legitimate targets.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said such strikes could lead to “irreversible destruction” of critical infrastructure in the Middle East. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until damaged Iranian facilities were restored.

Electricity infrastructure is central to Gulf economies, where high per capita consumption supports urban cooling and desalination systems. Bahrain and Qatar rely entirely on desalinated water, while the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia depend on it for the majority of their supply, making such facilities strategically sensitive.

Israeli forces said they began a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure in Tehran early Monday. Iranian media reported casualties, including the death of a child in Khorramabad, and damage to residential areas in Urmia.

Air raid sirens sounded across northern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv and parts of the occupied West Bank, indicating incoming Iranian missile fire. Israeli medical authorities reported dozens injured in earlier strikes on southern towns near key military installations.

Saudi Arabia said it intercepted one of two ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh, with the second landing in an uninhabited area.The conflict has also extended to Lebanon, where Israel said it conducted raids on Hezbollah sites in the south.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on northern Israel, while Israeli authorities reported at least one fatality near the border.

The threat of attacks on infrastructure and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have unsettled global markets. Oil prices opened volatile in Asian trading, while European gas prices surged sharply in the past week.Iranian actions have effectively restricted passage through the strait, contributing to what analysts describe as the most severe oil supply disruption since the 1970s.

However, Tehran has said the waterway remains open to vessels not linked to its adversaries, with some ships reportedly negotiating passage under coordinated arrangements.Market analysts said the U.S. ultimatum has heightened uncertainty, with expectations of downward pressure on equities and continued volatility in energy markets.

The war, launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel, has killed more than 2,000 people and triggered broader regional instability. Israeli officials said they expect weeks more fighting against Iran and Hezbollah, indicating no immediate de-escalation.

U.S. military deployments, including Marines and amphibious assets, continue to move into the region, even as earlier signals suggested Washington might consider scaling down operations.

Iran has maintained its capacity to retaliate despite sustained bombardment, underscoring the risk of further escalation involving civilian infrastructure and critical global energy routes.

With declining freshwater flows from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers contributing to higher salt levels, the government, experts, and local communities are implementing solutions to secure water resources, protect crops, and strengthen livelihoods.

Farmers in southern Iraq, particularly in Basra province, have long relied on the Tigris and Euphrates for irrigation and livestock. Recent challenges, including higher salinity in central Basra, have prompted innovative approaches to water management.

For example, the government has announced a large-scale desalination project in Basra with a capacity of one million cubic meters per day. This initiative aims to provide clean freshwater for irrigation, livestock, and domestic use, while reducing the impact of brackish water on crops and livestock.

Local farmers are also adapting to changing conditions by adopting modern irrigation practices, salt-tolerant crop varieties, and improved livestock management strategies.

These measures help maintain productivity despite natural fluctuations in river flows and salinity. For instance, farmer Zulaykha Hashem, who grows pomegranates, figs, and berries, is leveraging more efficient irrigation and soil management techniques to sustain her crops.

Such proactive measures demonstrate the resilience and ingenuity of Iraq’s agricultural communities.

The Iraqi government has emphasized collaboration with international partners and experts to improve water infrastructure and optimize the country’s share of river flows.

Iraq receives less than 35 percent of its allocated water from upstream countries, highlighting the importance of transboundary cooperation.

Authorities are working to negotiate water-sharing agreements and promote sustainable water usage practices, ensuring equitable access for farmers, households, and industries alike.

In addition, universities and research centers, such as Iraq’s University of Kufa, are conducting studies on salt-tolerant crops, efficient irrigation, and sustainable aquaculture.

These initiatives aim to mitigate the effects of higher salinity on agriculture and fisheries, supporting food security and economic stability. Local experts, including Hasan Al-Khateeb, are advising on projects that combine desalination, improved river management, and community-led water conservation programs.

Communities in Basra are already benefiting from these interventions. Families like that of Maryam Salman, a buffalo breeder, are gaining access to cleaner water for livestock and domestic needs.

Desalination and river management projects are expected to improve water availability year-round, providing healthier conditions for animals and boosting agricultural productivity.

Meanwhile, fish stocks are gradually recovering as water quality improves, offering renewed opportunities for local fishermen and sustaining livelihoods dependent on fisheries.

The United Nations and other international organizations have praised Iraq’s efforts, highlighting the importance of investing in water infrastructure and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

These initiatives are expected to reduce climate-related displacement, enhance food security, and improve community well-being across the country. By integrating technology, policy, and local knowledge, Iraq is setting a model for climate adaptation and sustainable water management in the region.

Despite historic challenges, Iraq’s farmers, herders, and communities are embracing a forward-looking approach. With government-led projects, expert guidance, and community engagement, the country is turning a pressing environmental challenge into an opportunity for innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Improved freshwater access, enhanced irrigation, and stronger support for livestock and fisheries are creating a brighter, more secure future for agriculture and rural livelihoods in Iraq.