Escalating US-Iran strikes threaten oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Iran have exchanged attacks on oil tankers and other vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz, prompting worries that a strike could cause a major oil spill. On September 8, U.S. forces hit five Iranian tankers, following a similar operation three days earlier that targeted three Iranian vessels after Tehran launched ballistic missiles toward a U.S. carrier and destroyer, according to U.S. Central Command.

MarineTraffic data on Monday showed 42 tankers waiting to transit the strait, 18 of which were loaded with oil. The combined capacity of these vessels is estimated at 1.76 million cubic metres, roughly 11 million barrels, or about 11 percent of global daily oil demand.

Since the conflict began, at least 75 ships have been attacked, resulting in 21 seafarer deaths, two minor oil spills and six fires. A separate incident off Oman’s coast involved the tanker Caroline Bezengi, which ran aground in June while carrying an estimated 800,000 barrels of oil, prompting a spill that could affect a 40-km stretch of coastline.

Researchers at Qatar University noted that the Gulf has long suffered from chronic oil pollution, exacerbated by extensive coastal development. They warned that additional spills could further damage coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and other habitats that support fisheries and protect shorelines.

"Sensitive habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and coastal sediments may retain pollutants for much longer," said Hussein Samh al-Masroori, associate professor at Sultan Qaboos University.

The region’s reliance on desalination for drinking water adds another layer of risk, as oil contamination can impair intake water quality and treatment processes. Experts emphasized that early detection and modern monitoring systems are essential to mitigate these threats.