Oil slick from bombed Iranian ship threatens protected wetland

An oil slick from the Iranian drone carrier Shahid Bagheri is currently threatening the Hara mangrove forest, one of the Middle East's most vital wetlands. The ship, located in Iranian territorial waters near the Strait of Hormuz, began leaking heavy fuel oil after being hit by a US warplane during the initial days of a US-Israel attack on Iran. This environmental disaster poses a severe risk to the Hara mangrove forest, which serves as a crucial habitat for migrating birds and endangered turtles. The incident adds to a series of spills in the Gulf, raising concerns for both delicate ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. This event underscores significant environmental consequences stemming from geopolitical conflicts in the region.