Orbital EOS Satellite Analysis Identifies Suspected Kharg Island Oil Slick

Satellite Imagery Shows a Suspected Slick

Satellite images captured by the European Copernicus Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 missions between 6 and 8 May 2026 appeared to show material spreading west and south-west of Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf.

Orbital EOS, a specialist in satellite-based oil spill monitoring, assessed that the suspected slick covered more than 20 square miles, or approximately 52 square kilometres, by 8 May. The analysis was subsequently reported by international media, including The New York Times and Türkiye Today.

Kharg Island is home to Iran’s largest oil terminal, alongside crude oil pipelines, storage tanks and export infrastructure. However, the available analysis did not establish the source of the material observed at sea.

Iranian Authorities Report No Evidence of a Leak

Iran’s Oil Terminals Company denied reports that a leak had originated from facilities near Kharg Island. According to the company’s chief executive, inspections found no evidence of leakage from storage tanks, pipelines, loading facilities or tankers operating in the area.

Iranian teams also reportedly conducted field inspections and laboratory testing without identifying traces of a leak. The Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre was said to have reported no sign of leakage in the area.

The Conflict and Environment Observatory separately noted that the original source remained unclear and reported that the suspected slick appeared to be moving south.

Independent Monitoring During Uncertain Conditions

The differing findings highlight the role satellite intelligence can play when an incident is difficult to confirm through observations on the water alone.

Satellite monitoring can help specialists examine large or remote marine areas, track changes over time and provide an independent view of developing conditions. This information can support further investigation and help response teams determine where additional assessment may be required.

Orbital EOS combines satellite-based oil spill detection with drift prediction services, helping organisations identify suspected pollution, understand its extent and anticipate where it may travel next.

The cause and precise nature of the suspected slick off Kharg Island had not been independently confirmed at the time of the reports.

This update has been prepared using reporting published by Türkiye Today and information attributed to ECOA member Orbital EOS.