Recent satellite images have shown an oil slick spreading over 20 square miles (approximately 52 square kilometers) off the west coast of Kharg Island, Iran. This island is a critical hub for Iran's oil export industry, vital for the country's struggling economy. The cause of the spill is currently unknown, and it is reportedly drifting southward, raising concerns about its potential impact on the region's oil infrastructure. The Conflict and Environment Observatory noted that the source of the spill is unclear and it is unlikely to be addressed effectively. Kharg Island, located off Iran's Gulf coast and hundreds of kilometers northwest of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, houses Iran's largest oil terminal and related infrastructure. The geopolitical climate has intensified since the U.S. imposed a blockade on Iranian ports following the start of tensions with the United States and Israel on February 28.