Bangladesh, March 28 -- The nations of the Persian Gulf are often described as energy powers, known for their vast oil and gas reserves and their influence on global markets. Yet this common description hides a deeper and more fragile truth. These countries are not only energy exporters; they are also deeply dependent on desalinated seawater for survival. In one of the driest regions on earth, daily life depends on turning seawater into safe drinking water. As tensions grow between Iran, the United States, and Israel, this dependence is becoming one of the most serious risks facing the Gulf.

For many years, Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman have invested heavily in desalination. T...