Iran and UAE trade accusations over Gulf pollution risk at the IMO

Tensions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates burst into the open at the International Maritime Organization, where the two sides accused each other of driving up pollution risks in the Gulf as attacks on shipping continue to roil regional waters.

Delegations from both countries blamed the other for environmental threats linked to recent incidents at sea, turning a security crisis into a dispute over how to manage pollution response. The clash unfolded as satellite imagery over the past two months has shown signs of oil on the water in the Gulf, highlighting concerns about marine contamination.

The exchange underscored how attacks on shipping are shaping debates beyond security, with questions now focusing on how to contain and respond to oil spotted on the surface. Both sides framed the issue in terms of responsibility and risk, without agreement on the causes of the pollution or the appropriate next steps.

The discussion at the IMO reflects a broader struggle to protect the marine environment while navigating ongoing maritime tensions. With oil visible in recent satellite images and the blame unresolved, the debate over pollution response in the Gulf is set to remain a point of contention.