Hands Off Iran! The Movement Appeals to International Environmental Organizations

The “Ashkharazhokhov” Pan-Armenian Movement calls on international environmental organizations to pressure the governments of the United States and Israel to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the Persian Gulf basin in the event of strikes on Iran’s nuclear and oil facilities. If such attacks occur, Middle Eastern countries could be left without water within three to seven days.

By the most conservative estimates, the ecological disaster would affect states with a combined population of 150 million people, triggering unprecedented and uncontrolled migration between Asia and Europe in all directions, including toward the South Caucasus.

Currently, most Persian Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) rely on seawater processed through desalination plants. 90–98% of drinking water in these countries is desalinated seawater. The plants are located along the coast and are highly vulnerable to missile strikes, as well as contamination from oil or chemicals.

Moreover, explosions targeting tankers and oil storage facilities could lead to oil spills in the Persian Gulf basin. This would render seawater unfit for desalination for an extended period, while chemical and oil damage to equipment could halt water production for weeks.

Even if desalination plants remain undamaged during an aggression against Iran, the import of supplies, spare parts, and chemicals for water treatment would be halted due to escalating military tensions. This would disrupt the technological cycle and reduce drinking water production. Consequently, Gulf countries would face widespread panic, surging violence, and civil unrest.

At “Ashkharazhokhov,” we are prepared to coordinate this anti-war initiative to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and prevent the escalation of armed conflict in the Middle East — for the benefit of all Eurasian peoples and their responsible governments.