Iran Lawmaker Denies Report That Iran Dumped Oil at Sea Near Kharg Island

According to Iran’s parliament energy committee chair, oil output across multiple fields continues, export pressure has had limited impact, and there is no official report of an oil leak near Kharg Island.

Summary

Iran’s parliament energy committee chair said oil production across multiple fields is continuing and that pressure on Iranian exports has had limited effect. The official also said actions targeting Iranian tankers were illegal and stated there was no official report of an oil leak near Kharg Island. The comments add to earlier denials by lawmaker Jafar Pourkabbani, who had rejected claims that Iran dumped oil into the sea because storage tanks were full and instead said pollution seen near Kharg Island came from a European tanker’s oil residue and ballast water discharge.

Terms & Concepts
  • Ballast water discharge: The release of water carried by ships for vessel stability; if contaminated, it can contribute to marine pollution.
  • Oil residue: Remaining petroleum material in a tanker or cargo system that may pollute seawater if released.