Initial Measures to Contain an Oil Slick Have Been Launched, the Iranian Newspaper Etemad Reported on Tuesday

Iran is battling an oil spill in the sea near Qeshm Island after months of clashes over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian officials. Initial measures to contain an oil slick have been launched, the Iranian newspaper Etemad reported on Tuesday. The state news agency IRNA reported a day earlier that 3.2 hectares of Iran's own coastline and nine hectares of coastal waters were affected, including mangrove forests.

Officials had previously said the oil pollution had already been contained. The IRNA report also said sea turtle breeding grounds were affected. It is believed the oil was carried to the coast from the sea, but the exact cause has not yet been determined, according to Etemad.

Meanwhile, an oil slick is also spreading off the coast of Oman, where the tanker Caroline Bezengi ran aground. The vessel is attributed to Russia's "shadow fleet" and is under EU sanctions. Experts say it threatens to break apart. It remains unclear whether the oil pollution on Iran's coast is linked to the Caroline Bezengi.