War threatens Gulf dugongs, turtles, and birds

Middle Eastern outlets focus on how the Iran war is straining Gulf security, water supplies and trade routes, while putting local ecosystems at risk. Reporting links missile and drone attacks, including on LNG and gas sites, to threats against desalination plants and coastal habitats that support marine life and birds. Responsibility is often placed on Israeli and US‑backed strikes as well as Iranian retaliation for turning vital energy and water infrastructure into targets.

• •Iranian missile and drone launches across the Gulf have put offshore platforms and nearby marine habitats in the line of fire.
• •An Israeli gas strike, reported as having US approval, has heightened fears of further attacks on energy sites near sensitive coasts.
• •Regional governments worry that damage to desalination plants will harm both human water security and coastal ecosystems.
• •Europe’s reliance on Gulf carriers and routes to Asia is exposed as war risk spreads along key maritime corridors.
• •UN maritime meetings on Gulf shipping safety are driven by concerns over both trade disruption and pollution from damaged vessels.