Oil pollution spreading across the Persian Gulf following recent military strikes around Iran is now visible from space, prompting urgent warnings from experts that the situation could escalate into a major environmental disaster if not contained quickly, according to The Climate Watch, an independent portal providing in-depth coverage of climate change, environment, biodiversity, wildlife, nature conservation, and sustainability issues, with a particular focus on South Asia.
Satellite imagery shows oil slicks stretching across multiple locations after damage to oil facilities and vessels linked to attacks involving Iran and US-Israeli forces. Beyond infrastructure losses, the fragile marine biodiversity of the Persian Gulf is facing severe threats.
Experts caution that if the situation spirals out of control, it could threaten the livelihoods of thousands of people, particularly coastal communities dependent on fishing. Oil contamination could poison fish stocks, jeopardising both food security and income sources.
Marine animals including turtles, dolphins and whales are also at risk of ingesting oil or becoming trapped in slicks, which could prove fatal.
Another major concern is desalination plants. Nearly 100 million people in Gulf countries rely on these facilities for freshwater. Oil pollution could damage filtration systems, potentially triggering a serious drinking water crisis.
A unique ecosystem
According to Greenpeace, the Persian Gulf’s ecosystem is “unique”. The Strait of Hormuz and the adjacent waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman are home to sensitive ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass meadows that provide vital habitats for numerous species.
The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime connection between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea and plays a crucial role in the exchange of water and nutrients as well as serving as a migration route for marine mammals.