A suspected oil spill near Kharg Island was likely caused by a tanker dumping contaminated ballast water rather than a leak from Iranian oil facilities, according to Reuters. Satellite imagery showed an oil stain stretching across dozens of square kilometers, raising concerns about disruptions in a key export hub.

Iranian Vice President Shina Ansari said monitoring data indicated the spill came from ballast water discharged by a foreign vessel and denied any leaks from national facilities or pipelines. Tanker Trackers said the explanation was plausible, while noting the vessel involved had previously been seized.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the area. Reports from the National Broadcasting Company said recent strikes targeted military facilities on Kharg Island, though United States Vice President JD Vance stated the action did not signal a change in strategy by the United States president.