Iran may soon expand its military campaign to include critical water infrastructure across the Middle East, potentially triggering a regional crisis with global economic consequences, according to a warning from a U.N.-affiliated expert.

Kaveh Madani said desalination facilities across the Gulf could be targeted “within the next few days,” marking a dangerous escalation in the conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The warning follows threats issued by Iranian military officials, who said that if Iran’s own energy infrastructure is attacked, Tehran would retaliate by striking energy, technology, and desalination assets linked to its adversaries in the region.

The escalation comes after President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. could target Iranian power infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened within 48 hours.

Madani cautioned that such attacks could spark a broader “water war” in one of the world’s driest regions, where desalination plants are essential for drinking water supplies.

“The consequences would be catastrophic and lasting,” he said, noting that damage to treatment facilities, pumping stations and distribution systems could disrupt water access for millions while also destabilizing global markets.

The conflict, now entering its fourth week, has already expanded beyond traditional military targets. Reports indicate that desalination sites, including facilities on Qeshm Island and in Bahrain, have been struck, underscoring the growing risk to civilian infrastructure.

Analysts warn that any sustained disruption to water supplies in the Gulf could have immediate humanitarian consequences and ripple effects across energy and financial markets worldwide.