Overview
- Satellite images collected Wednesday through Friday show a gray-white slick west of Kharg Island that analysts say spans roughly 20 to 52 square kilometers, often cited near 45.
- Copernicus Sentinel data and reviews by groups including the Conflict and Environment Observatory and Orbital EOS indicate the sheen looks like oil, though the source has not been identified.
- Iranian and U.S. officials have not explained the apparent spill, and imagery from May 8 showed no sign of an active, ongoing discharge.
- Experts outline unconfirmed possibilities that include leaks from older tankers used as floating storage, a pipeline failure to offshore fields, or strain from a U.S. naval blockade that has constrained exports.
- Analysts warn the slick is drifting south, raising the risk of pollution in neighboring waters and possible impacts on Gulf desalination plants that provide drinking water to millions.