Oil Slicks Spotted Near Strait of Hormuz in Satellite Images

Satellite imagery has captured what appears to be oil spreading across the waters near the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over possible marine pollution along the strategically important shipping route.

Images released by the European Union’s Copernicus programme show long, brownish streaks on the surface of the sea about 20 kilometres off Iran’s coast.

Al Jazeera reported on Friday that the images were taken in the waters east of the Strait of Hormuz. Several brown streaks were visible in satellite imagery captured on Wednesday, while another image taken on Thursday showed similarly shaped and sized streaks in roughly the same area.

The Associated Press analyzed the satellite images with the help of experts. Their assessment suggested that the streaks could be oil slicks, although the exact source of the substance could not be independently confirmed.

The images emerged after several oil tankers suspected of having links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were reportedly targeted in US strikes.

However, the analysis did not establish a direct connection between the suspected oil slicks and the reported attacks on the tankers.

The development has raised fresh concerns about the environmental impact on waters around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for the transportation of oil and other energy supplies.