A significant oil spill has been discovered in the Persian Gulf near the strategic Kharg Island in Iran, raising concerns about a potential environmental disaster in one of the world's most important oil export areas.
According to reports in The New York Times, the area of contamination has exceeded 50 square kilometers, based on analysis of satellite images taken by the company Orbital EOS. It is estimated that more than 3,000 barrels of oil may have spilled into the sea.
The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed, while the event occurs at a time of high tensions in the region, following clashes and attacks reported in recent months.
Kharg Island is considered Iran's main oil export terminal. Under normal conditions, about 90% of Iran's crude oil is exported through this terminal to international markets.
According to the report, the oil slick has gradually moved southward, approaching Saudi waters, which increases fears of an environmental incident with cross-border consequences.
So far, Iranian authorities have not officially reacted to the contamination, while the situation remains unclear due to the lack of detailed information from the ground.
Kharg Island remains a strategic point for Iran, located about 30 kilometers from the Iranian coast and several hundred kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important maritime corridors for global oil trade.
