A major oil slick has reached Shidvar Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary in the Persian Gulf, videos verified by The New York Times show. The footage depicts birds, turtles, and crabs trapped in tar mounds along the island's pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.

The pollution originates from the Lavan refinery, with smoke visible in the distance as oil coats the shoreline. This refinery is a significant processing facility in the region, and such incidents raise immediate concerns about operational safety and environmental safeguards.

Shidvar Island serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds and marine life. The spill threatens not only its unique ecosystem but also local fisheries and tourism, which depend on the area's natural beauty. The incident underscores the persistent risk of oil infrastructure to vulnerable coastal environments.