Iran Seeks Compensation for Oil Spill Caused by Its Own Attack

Iran's Foreign Ministry has called for compensation after an oil spill reached its southern Qeshm island. The slick, which originated in Omani waters on August 3, is believed to have been caused by an Iranian attack on a bulk carrier.

TankerTrackers, a US-hosted website that monitors shipping movements worldwide, reported that the Minoan Pioneer was attacked on August 3 in Omani waters. The spill then drifted across the Strait of Hormuz and reached Iran's Qeshm island.

Iranian officials claim that the spill has 'degraded the waters' of the Gulf and Sea of Oman. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that preliminary evidence indicates a foreign bulk carrier as the source of the spill, but did not specify which country's vessel was responsible.