Oil spills threaten coasts of Iran and Oman

Two separate oil spills are threatening the coasts of Iran and Oman. In the Hormuz Strait, Iranian authorities are working to contain a spill near Qeshm Island. Reports indicate that approximately 3.2 hectares of the Iranian coastline and 9 hectares of coastal waters have been affected, impacting mangrove forests and sea turtle nesting sites.

Simultaneously, a second oil spill is spreading along the Omani coast near Ras Madrakah, affecting roughly 12 kilometers of shoreline. This spill is linked to the tanker Caroline Bezengi, a vessel part of a Russian shadow fleet used to bypass sanctions, which ran aground in late June. Experts warn that the tanker faces a risk of breaking apart. It remains unclear if the spill near Iran is connected to the same vessel.