(SeaPRwire) –   A second suspected oil slick has been detected near Iran’s Kharg Island export hub, according to maritime intelligence firm Windward AI, raising concerns about a potential environmental disaster as the larger spill identified on May 8 continues moving toward Saudi Arabian waters.

The newly spotted slick comes amid warnings from U.N. officials that oil spills in the region could lead to an ecological catastrophe during the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis.

“Another possible oil spill was detected today at 11 a.m. local time,” Windward reported. The visible area is estimated to be between 12 and 20 square kilometers.

While Tehran has blamed foreign vessels, maritime experts suggest the main slick—estimated at tens of thousands of barrels and covering approximately 65 square kilometers, per the U.N. University Institute for Water, Environment and Health—is more likely due to aging infrastructure, pipeline ruptures, or the heightened tensions of a “war mode” environment since February.

“We should be concerned about the origin of the slick and closely monitor any developments,” said U.N. official Dr. Kaveh Madani.

“If this slick expands, we must seriously consider the possibility of leakage from aging infrastructure,” he added, noting that the slick was “moving southwest away from the island.”

“We need to track its movement and determine whether it approaches populated areas. If so, desalination operations may need to be suspended. Currently, the risk remains low,” he stated.

Madani also highlighted that the slick is located near a heavily concentrated zone of pipelines and energy facilities.

“Maintaining these infrastructure systems in good condition has already been challenging for Iranians even during peacetime due to sanctions,” he explained, warning that in times of conflict, “a major accident is highly probable.”

Water circulation in the Persian Gulf is slow, allowing pollutants to linger for extended periods, he noted.

“Similar incidents occurred during the Gulf Wars and the Iran-Iraq War, with lasting impacts on coastal communities, fisheries, marine ecosystems, and even desalination plant intakes,” he recalled.

The larger spill, visible in satellite images as a gray-and-white patch, was first observed west of Kharg Island, as reported by Windward AI on May 8, and has since continued its drift.

“It is believed to be crude oil rather than bunker fuel and unlikely to have originated from a ship, possibly stemming from pipeline issues or a failed ship-to-ship transfer,” the company said.

According to Windward, the spill could enter Qatar’s exclusive economic zone within about four days and potentially reach the UAE’s Al Mirfa region in roughly 13 days.

The incident follows increased U.S. efforts to enforce “Economic Fury” by tightening sanctions and expanding naval presence near the Strait of Hormuz in order to limit Iran’s oil exports.

Since Iran closed the strait in late February following heightened hostilities, tankers have accumulated in the region as the critical oil transit route remains largely blocked.

“We are also aware of the large number of tankers operating in the area, which increases the likelihood of accidental spills,” Madani remarked.

“As long as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and the region remains in a state of conflict, environmental protection will not be a priority. However, monitoring tanker activity is still essential,” he emphasized.

In the meantime, Jafar Pourkabgani, a lawmaker representing Bushehr province, asserted that the slick resulted from “oil residue and ballast water waste from European tankers” discharged into the sea.

“This claim is false and part of the enemy’s psychological warfare,” he wrote on X, dismissing allegations that Iran deliberately released oil due to full storage tanks.

Iran’s Oil Terminals Company also denied reports of a leak near Kharg Island, Reuters reported.

The company’s chief executive stated on Sunday that inspections found no evidence of leaks originating from storage tanks, pipelines, loading facilities, or nearby tankers.