Iran’s waters turn black: Satellite images reveal Qeshm and Sirri Islands engulfed by huge oil slick

Satellite imagery has revealed a major oil slick spreading through waters near Iran’s Qeshm Island, raising concerns about a growing environmental crisis in the Gulf. Copernicus Sentinel-2 images captured the slick on August 10, with researchers estimating the visible trail stretched around 160 kilometres. A second slick was detected near Sirri Island on August 13, close to Iranian offshore oil and gas facilities. Dark, bubbling liquid was also reported washing onto beaches on Qeshm. Maritime trackers linked the first spill to the Minoan Pioneer, a vessel reportedly struck off Oman. The exact cause and responsibility remain unconfirmed.