Iran Oil Slick Spreads Across 300 Square Kilometers
The ongoing conflict between Iran and its adversaries has led to a major oil slick washing up on Iran's beaches, according to satellite imagery. The slick is estimated to be over 100,000 US gallons of oil, making it a significant environmental disaster.
Iran has not acknowledged responsibility for the spill, but shipping analysts believe it was likely linked to an attack on the Minoan Pioneer in early August. Since February, there have been 67 strikes on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway responsible for about one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas trade.
The US has imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports, leading to attacks by US forces on several ships. Qeshm, an island in southern Iran, is a key strategic base for Iran's military and has been heavily attacked by the US, including strikes last month that killed three people, according to Iranian state media.
Satellite imagery from August 10 shows the slick covering over 300 square kilometers, with John Amos, CEO of Skytruth, describing it as 'a major oil slick'.