Iran Slams Stakeholders for Oil Pollution in Strait of Hormuz Amid Global Supply Concerns

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is speaking out about environmental concerns in the Strait of Hormuz after an oil spill. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said videos have emerged showing oil pollution along the shores of Qeshm Island, suggesting a 'foreign bulk carrier' as the source.

The contamination has been documented at three coastal sites and across parts of the sea surface, with damage estimated at 'trillions of dollars' to Iran's coastal regions. Baqaei emphasized that all parties benefiting from Strait of Hormuz shipping share responsibility for environmental damage, including energy-consuming nations, insurers, and military aggressors.

The source of the pollution remains unidentified, but officials are assessing its spread and trying to prevent further contamination. Meanwhile, a massive oil spill from the sanctioned tanker Caroline Bezengi is reaching Oman's coastline after the vessel ran aground on June 30, potentially affecting up to 40 km of coast near Ras Madraka and Masirah Island.

The IEA expects global oil supply to fall by 4.3 million barrels per day this year due to renewed hostilities in the Middle East, deepening an oil market deficit.