Video and satellite photos show Iran war oil spill on Persian Gulf island
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- A recent attack on the Lavan oil refinery in Iran caused a significant oil spill that has polluted Shidvar Island, a protected breeding ground for wildlife in the Persian Gulf, as shown by videos and satellite images.
- Footage from April 9 reveals thick smoke from the refinery fire and shows wildlife, including birds, crabs, and fish, covered in oil, highlighting severe ecological damage.
- Satellite photos confirm the fire continued burning two days post-attack, with an oil slick spreading around Shidvar Island, designated as a Ramsar wetland and important seabird breeding site.
- Iranian officials have not acknowledged environmental harm from the strike, which occurred shortly after a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Israel, amid ongoing regional tensions and accusations involving the UAE.
- The UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant was also targeted in a drone attack amid escalating conflicts involving Iran and its regional proxies.