Likely oil slicks in Strait of Hormuz after US tanker strikes: experts
Satellite imagery suggests the presence of oil slicks in the Strait of Hormuz following US military strikes on tankers linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Experts indicate these slicks are likely fuel-related pollution rather than natural phenomena.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the environmental risks associated with escalating military tensions in a critical global shipping lane.
Copernicus images indicated possible oil slicks after US strikes on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz — - Recent satellite images analysed on Thursday appear to show oil slicks near the Strait of Hormuz, after US strikes on tankers suspected of links to Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
An image from the European Copernicus programme taken on Wednesday shows brownish streaks on the surface of the water some 20 kilometres (nearly 12.5 miles) off the Iranian coast, to the east of the strait.
Another Copernicus image of the same location taken on Thursday shows winding streaks of a similar length.
Several researchers and experts told AFP they were most likely oil slicks, in an area near coral reefs listed under the Ramsar Convention as wetlands of international importance.
Satellite images alone are not enough to determine the presence of hydrocarbons with certainty nor their precise origin.
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