Iran Oil Spills Near Main Export Terminal In Persian Gulf

Iran has suffered an oil spill a few kilometers from its main export terminal in the Persian Gulf, Kharg Island, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, citing local shipping officials.

The Tasnim report did not provide any information on the cause of the accident, which hit two locations in the affected area, or whether it would disrupt oil exports. The news agency quoted Mohammad Shakibi Nassab, director general of the local Ports and Maritime Organization, as saying that the leak occurred in an underwater pipeline about six kilometers from Kharg and that authorities were working to contain it.

Traders are awaiting Tel Aviv’s response to Iran’s missile strikes earlier this month, including the possibility that the Islamic Republic’s energy infrastructure could have been targeted. The cause was not reported in the Iranian mainstream media.

More than a week after the Iranian attack, Israel has yet to respond but appears to have ruled out an attack on the Gulf country’s oil industry, according to The Washington Post.

Iran’s Ports and Maritime Administration and the Ministry of Oil did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside normal working hours.