Satellite images indicate a possible oil slick of around 45 square kilometers off the Iranian oil island of Kharg in the Persian Gulf. The gray-white streak was visible west of the eight-kilometer-long island in images taken by the European Copernicus satellites from May 6th to 8th, environmental researchers said. The pollution, about the size of Lake Ammersee, looks like an oil slick. The cause and exact origin are unknown. The US military and the Iranian UN mission in Geneva did not initially comment on the recordings.
According to Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, the United States expects a response from Tehran on Friday in its diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war. No response has been received yet, but “we should find out something today,” Rubio told reporters during his visit to Italy. “We expect an answer from them at some point today,” he emphasized. He hopes that it will be a serious offer. “The hope is that it is something that can get us into a serious negotiation process.”
According to media reports, the White House is currently waiting for a reaction from Iran to a declaration of intent that is one page long and contains 14 points. The aim is to create a framework for negotiations, initially lasting 30 days, to end the war. An easing of US sanctions and agreements on the future of the Strait of Hormuz are also being discussed. In addition, a basis for negotiations on Iran’s controversial nuclear program should be created.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have reported three injuries following an Iranian attack this morning. The Defense Ministry said it intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones that were launched from Iran. The total number of injured since the outbreak of the Iran war at the beginning of February has risen to 230. According to official information, the total number of deaths in connection with the attacks is 13.
