Iran Demands Environmental Safeguards for Strait of Hormuz Amid Oil Pollution
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has called for environmental safeguards to be made a core part of any future administration of the Strait of Hormuz. This follows recent oil pollution along Iran's coast, particularly on Qeshm Island.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most sensitive geopolitical chokepoints, where past military standoffs have triggered spikes in international crude prices and fears of broader conflict.
Baqaei stated that addressing the environmental condition of the Strait and its surrounding waters should be an integral part of any future administration. He cited videos showing oil pollution along Qeshm Island's shores, which he attributed to a foreign bulk carrier.
The pollution has contaminated three coastal sites and portions of the sea surface, with preliminary evidence pointing to a foreign source. Baqaei questioned who bears responsibility for compensating the damage, estimated at trillions of dollars, to Iran's coastal areas.