Sheena Ansari, head of Iran’s Environmental Protection and Monitoring Organization, told the semi-official Tasnim news agency that the damage to the refinery has caused hydrocarbon pollution in the waters surrounding the island, located in the Persian Gulf.

The official warned that the spill could significantly affect coral reefs and other marine ecosystems in the area, although she noted that mitigation measures will be defined once the ongoing technical assessments are completed.

Ansari explained that inspection efforts are facing difficulties because some areas near Lavan Island are considered military strategic, limiting access to the affected sites.

He also pointed out that authorities are working to prevent the contamination from spreading to the coasts of the southern provinces of Bushehr and Hormozgan.

The Lavan refinery was attacked on April 8, amid tensions stemming from the US – Israel conflict on Iran.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the damage to Iranian energy infrastructure continue to raise international concerns about the potential consequences for the environment and the global energy supply.

jdt/oda/fm