Second Oil Slick Near Iran's Kharg Island Raises Disaster Fears

A second suspected oil slick has been detected near Iran's Kharg Island, a vital oil export hub, heightening fears of an environmental disaster [2]. This new slick comes as a larger spill, first identified on May 8 and estimated at tens of thousands of barrels, continues to drift toward Saudi Arabian waters [2].

The approximate visible area of the new slick is between 12 to 20 square kilometers [2]. Maritime experts suggest the main slick is more likely linked to aging infrastructure, pipeline ruptures, or the "war mode" environment that has threatened the waterway since February, rather than foreign vessels as Tehran has claimed [2]. United Nations officials have warned that oil spills in the region could trigger an environmental catastrophe amid the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis [2].

Kharg Island is Iran's main oil export terminal, historically handling 85–95% of the country's crude exports [1]. If its loading facilities were compromised, Iran's ability to export oil would collapse, significantly impacting its funding, which is largely earned by selling crude to China [1]. Strikes on Iran's oil infrastructure could also send global oil prices, already up around 30% since the war began, even higher [1].

The slow water circulation in the Persian Gulf means pollution can persist for extended periods, potentially impacting coastal communities, the fishing industry, marine life, and desalination plants [2]. The larger spill was first detected west of Kharg Island and is believed to be crude oil, possibly originating from pipeline issues or a failed ship-to-ship transfer [2].

The incident occurs as Washington tightens sanctions and increases its naval presence near the Strait of Hormuz to curb Iran’s oil exports [2]. Iran's Oil Terminals Company has denied reports of a leak, stating inspections found no evidence of leaks from storage tanks, pipelines, or loading facilities [2].

The potential for a major accident is high given the aging infrastructure and the conflict environment [2]. The question remains whether these slicks will grow and move closer to populated centers, potentially halting desalination operations [2].