TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has called for environmental protection to be made an integral part of any future arrangements governing the Strait of Hormuz, urging countries and commercial interests that benefit from shipping through the strategic waterway to contribute to tackling pollution in the region.
Baghaei made the remarks while referring to recent oil pollution reported along the shores of Qeshm Island in southern Iran. He said preliminary findings indicated that a foreign bulk carrier was responsible for the pollution.
Why must addressing the environmental condition of the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters form an integral part of any future administration of the Strait?
In recent days, videos have circulated showing oil pollution along the shores of Qeshm Island. This pollution… pic.twitter.com/UpSWlqePvd
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) August 12, 2026
The spokesman stressed that the incident should be viewed against the backdrop of decades of extensive environmental degradation affecting the Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
According to Baghaei, protecting the marine environment of the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters should not be treated as a secondary issue in discussions over the future administration and management of the strategically important waterway.
He said parties benefiting from the extensive commercial shipping activity passing through the Strait of Hormuz had a “legal and moral obligation” to assist in addressing and remediating environmental damage caused in the region.
The remarks come amid continuing international attention on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime passages and a major route for global energy shipments.
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Baghaei’s comments also highlighted Tehran’s broader concern over the environmental consequences of heavy maritime traffic in waters surrounding Iran. He argued that future arrangements concerning the waterway should take environmental protection into account alongside maritime security and commercial interests.
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and connects the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. Its strategic importance has made it a focal point of regional and international attention, while the volume of shipping passing through the waterway has also raised concerns over marine pollution and environmental risks.
Iran has repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting the marine environment of the Gulf and surrounding waters, where pollution can have serious consequences for coastal communities, fisheries and fragile marine ecosystems.
Baghaei’s call therefore places environmental responsibility alongside the wider political, security and economic considerations surrounding the future management of the strategic waterway.
