Iran calls for compensation after Hormuz oil spill

Iran has demanded compensation following an oil spill that reached its southern Qeshm island in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially causing environmental damage. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that preliminary evidence suggests a foreign bulk carrier is responsible for the spill, which has degraded waters in the Gulf and Sea of Oman.

However, US-hosted Tanker Trackers website claims the spill originated from an Iranian attack on the bulk carrier Minoan Pioneer in Omani waters on August 3. The oil has since drifted to Iran, covering approximately 32,000 square meters of coastal area and 90,000 square meters of waters. Iran's Environmental Protection Organisation head Sheena Ansari emphasized the long-term environmental impact, stating that the southern coast of Qeshm is just one example of the region's marine ecosystem destruction over the past few decades.

Ansari questioned whether the countries consuming energy exports from the region or the aggressors responsible for military operations in the area should be held accountable for compensating the damage. The Strait of Hormuz has been under Iranian control since the Middle East war began on February 28, with Iran threatening to charge navigational fees from passing vessels to fund services like environmental protection.

The US and some regional countries oppose such fees. A recent AFP investigation revealed that a tanker stranded near Oman's Al-Qibliyyah island for weeks was damaged by explosions.