ALBAWABA - On Wednesday, Iran suffered an extensive oil leak, according to reports from local Tasnim and IRNA news agencies. The leak occurred close to Kharg Island, which is Iran's fundamental oil production terminal in the Persian Gulf.
The leak, which occurred around four miles away from the island, had an impact on subsea pipelines and resulted in two oil spills in the seas that surrounded the island. The Iranian authorities moved swiftly to commence containment operations, using drones to locate other sensitive areas and putting pollution control measures into effect, Reuters reports.
The occurrence raises a number of unanswered questions about what prompted the leak. The lack of response from Iran's ports and marine agency and oil ministry has fueled speculation regarding the possibility of an outside intervention.
The incident's timing is noteworthy given that it accompanies a spike in tensions between Iran and Israel.
Earlier this month, Iran attacked Israel with missiles, in retaliation for the Israeli attack that killed Iranian General Abbas Nilforoushan and Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, and traders have been eagerly awaiting Israel's reaction. However, according to the Washington Post, Israel has so far chosen not to attack Iranian energy infrastructure.
The potential for an Israeli involvement in the oil leak raised concerns online. While there is no concrete evidence linking Israel to the incident so far, many have drawn lines under quotes from Israeli defense minister, Yoaf Gallant, saying Israel’s response will be surprising and unexpected.
Since Kharg Island handles almost 90% of Iran's oil exports, at 3.2 million barrels a day, any interruption might have a major adverse effect on both the Iranian economy and the world's oil markets.
