Hormuz Dispute Intensifies as Key Terminal Reactivates Amid Growing Oil Slick

Competing claims over control of the Strait of Hormuz continue as the US and Iran remain at odds. President Trump stated the US has total control via its naval blockade, while Iran asserts it still controls the waterway and plans to implement a toll system.

The situation took a turn with the reactivation of Kharg Island's western terminal on August 12 after a 25-day hiatus. The terminal was empty for 24 consecutive days prior to this, but now has a dark VLCC-class tanker berthed and loading. In contrast, the eastern oil terminal and LPG terminal remained empty for 13 and 16 consecutive days, respectively.

The CAROLINE BEZENGI oil slick has grown significantly, spanning 390-400 square kilometers as of August 10. This is a significant increase from approximately 20 square kilometers on July 31, with projections indicating it will expand by another 121 kilometers in the next 48 hours.