Oil slicks off Iran from tanker attacks

Satellite imagery and video verified by Reuters show two oil slicks have appeared in Iranian waters in the Gulf, as tit-for-tat attacks on oil tankers and other vessels by Iran and the United States raise concerns about environmental damage. One slick is off the southern tip of Iran — Qeshm Island, likely stemming from a leak from the Minoan Pioneer, a Liberia-flagged dry bulk ship that was hit by an unknown projectile near Oman's coast in a suspected Iranian attack on August 3, leaving one seafarer missing. A second slick was spotted near Iran — Sirri Island. Separately, the grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi is leaking Russian crude oil off Oman in a protected marine area, creating a massive slick estimated at 2,000 square km, though this incident has not been linked to the Iran war. The conflict has complicated cleanup efforts, and Iranian authorities have reportedly blocked a tugboat from approaching the Minoan Pioneer. Experts warn of significant damage to ecosystems and coastlines.