After a US attack on an Iranian warship, it lies aground off the coast. The spilled oil is visible even from space and threatens the ecosystem and people in the area.
April 22, 2026, 2:54 p.mApril 22, 2026, 2:54 p.m
The Iran war also poses a threat to the ecosystem. Attacks on oil storage facilities and ships are causing oil pollution in the Persian Gulf. For example, the warship “Shahid Bagheri” was bombed by the USA at the beginning of the attacks. Since then it has been aground off the Iranian coast in the Strait of Hormuz while oil is leaking.
Oil is leaking from the shipwreck (center). (Photographed April 7th)Image: European Space Agency/Sentinel-2
Greenpeace Germany warns that the oil slick will threaten nearby nature reserves if it moves in their direction. The threat to nature also affects around 50,000 people in the region. The tanker lies between the mainland and the island of Qeshm, which is known for its mangrove forests.
The oil spill between mainland Iran and Qeshm Island.Image: European Space Agency/Sentinel-2
An oil slick has also formed in other places. For example, on the island of Lavan, which came under fire at the beginning of April. There are oil facilities on the island, and after the attack an oil slick could be seen on the coast in satellite images.
An oil slick has formed off Lavan Island.Image: European Space Agency/Sentinel-2
Wim Zwijnenburg, project manager at the Dutch peace organization PAX, warns loudly CNN before the massive consequences for the environment caused by the attack on the island. Next to the island of Lavan is the Shidvar nature reserve, a small island where endangered birds and sea turtles breed. Microorganisms and marine life such as dolphins and whales are also affected.
Oil also spilled into the sea off the coast of Kuwait after an attack by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. According to Zwijnenburg, this could lead to fish being poisoned, which ensures the survival of people living near the coast.
It is not yet clear what extent the pollution will reach. An estimated 75 oil tankers carrying millions of tons of oil are currently stuck in the Gulf. If they were also attacked, the ecological catastrophe could worsen. (front)