Tehran: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized the importance of incorporating environmental considerations into any future management framework of the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

According to Nam News Network, Baqaei highlighted the issue in a post on his X account, underscoring the necessity for environmental focus in the administration of the strategic waterway. Recent videos have surfaced showing oil pollution along the shores of Qeshm Island, originating from the Persian Gulf. Preliminary evidence points to a foreign bulk carrier as the source of this contamination, which has affected three coastal sites and portions of the sea surface.

Baqaei noted that this incident is just one example of the widespread pollution that has affected the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman over the years, causing extensive damage to the marine ecosystem and imposing significant costs on Iran's coastal regions. He raised questions about accountability and compensation for the damages, pondering whether the responsibility should lie with countries benefiting from the region's energy exports, shipping insurers, or those involved in military activities in the area.

With Iran having the longest coastline along the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, Baqaei asserted that the country cannot ignore these issues. He stressed that all parties benefiting from the commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have both a legal and moral obligation to address and remediate the environmental harm inflicted on these waters.