Oil spill detected near Iran's Kharg Island oil terminal

Satellite imagery from the EU’s Copernicus service and analysis by Orbital EOS indicate a growing oil spill near Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub. The spill, first observed between May 6 and May 8, 2026, spans over 50 square kilometers and is estimated to contain more than 3,000 barrels of oil. The slick is currently moving south toward Saudi Arabian waters. Independent experts, including Leon Morland from the Conflict and Environment Observatory, confirmed the visual characteristics of the spill. The exact cause and point of origin remain unknown. This incident occurs 70 days into the ongoing conflict between Iran and the U.S.-Israel coalition. Iranian state media has not yet reported on the spill, and there has been no official acknowledgment from Tehran. Hundreds of vessels, including tankers, are currently reported trapped in the region due to blockades at the Strait of Hormuz.