Oil Spills From Iran War Now Visible From Space

Satellite imagery is revealing the scale of environmental damage in the Persian Gulf following recent strikes on oil facilities and vessels linked to the Iran conflict.

Images captured in early April, shown by CNN, reveal multiple oil spills spreading across key areas of the Gulf, including near Iran’s Qeshm Island, Lavan Island, and off the coast of Kuwait.

One spill near Qeshm Island was recorded at more than five miles in length, while damage to at least five locations on Lavan Island has resulted in additional leaks into surrounding waters.

Experts warn that the spills could reach ecologically sensitive areas, including Shidvar Island, a protected habitat known for its marine biodiversity.

The environmental risks extend beyond wildlife. Oil contamination could disrupt fishing industries and threaten food sources for coastal communities, while also posing a risk to desalination plants that supply clean water to nearly 100 million people in the region.

With dozens of oil tankers operating in the Gulf, concerns are growing that further strikes could worsen the situation.

Experts say cleanup efforts are likely to be extremely difficult due to ongoing conflict, increasing the risk of a broader ecological disaster.