Iran Denies Oil Leak Near Kharg Island Amid Satellite Imagery Showing Slick

Iran's Oil Terminals Company has denied reports of an oil leak near Kharg Island, the country's main oil export hub in the Gulf, after satellite imagery appeared to show a large slick in the area. The company's chief executive said that inspections had found no evidence of leaks from storage tanks, pipelines, loading facilities, or tankers operating near the island.

The satellite imagery, obtained from Copernicus Sentinel Data 2026, appears to show an oil slick spreading off the coast of Kharg Island, covering more than 20 square miles. The cause of the apparent spill is not immediately clear.

The incident comes amid a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian and US forces, with US officials warning that oil spills in the region could trigger an environmental catastrophe. The US has also imposed a blockade of Iranian ports, stranding many tankers in the area.

The United Nations has expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact of the incident, with official Dr Kaveh Madani stating that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the presence of many tankers in the area increases the risk of an accidental spill.

The Iranian government will likely continue to monitor the situation and respond to any further developments, with the US and other international parties also expected to maintain a close watch on the situation. The UN will resume its monitoring of the area and provide updates on any further developments.