Iran Blames US Presence for Gulf Pollution After Oil Spills

Iran's foreign ministry has accused the US military presence in the region of causing pollution in Gulf waters. The claim comes after several oil spills were reported, with one slick reaching the island of Qeshm and affecting beaches and an environmentally sensitive mangrove forest.

The Iranian government estimates that the damage to the environment is worth 'trillions of dollars' and has called for the US to be held accountable.

This is not the first time Iran has blamed the US for environmental damage in the region. Last week, the country demanded compensation after an oil slick was reported in the Strait of Hormuz, with preliminary evidence suggesting a 'foreign bulk carrier' as the source of the spill.