Oil Spills Near Strait of Hormuz Raise Environmental Disaster Fears

A massive oil spill has occurred near the Strait of Hormuz in Iranian waters, threatening an environmental disaster that could affect Oman as well. Satellite imagery and videos verified by Reuters show two major oil slicks in the Persian Gulf.

The pollution is linked to attacks on oil tankers and other vessels during the conflict involving Iran and the United States, causing severe environmental damage to the region.

The incident off the coast of Oman was caused by a leak from the Russian tanker Caroline Bezengi, which ran aground in a protected marine area. The spill has created a massive slick covering about 2,000 square kilometers.