Environment and Energy

Oil spills detected in Persian Gulf amid Iran-US tensions over tanker attacks

Two oil slicks have appeared in Iranian waters as satellite imagery verified by Reuters shows environmental damage escalating in the Gulf. One major slick near Qeshm Island stretches around 160 km, with satellite imagery from August 10 and August 13 documenting the spills. The Minoan Pioneer, a Liberia-flagged dry bulk carrier hit by projectile on August 3, is suspected as the source, while a separate grounded tanker, the Caroline Bezengi, leaks Russian crude oil off Oman with estimates of 2,000 square km coverage.