Maritime intelligence analysts have issued a stark warning regarding Iran's shadow fleet of aging oil tankers, characterizing them as a 'ticking time bomb' for a potential catastrophic oil spill. These vessels have been identified as part of a network that has evaded international sanctions, and many are operating without the necessary safety protocols, with analysts stating that it is only a matter of time before an environmental disaster occurs. They compare the potential scale of the disaster to the infamous Exxon Valdez spill in 1989, which released 37,000 tonnes of crude oil into the sea.

The analysis conducted by Pole Star Global highlighted that nearly half of the 29 Iranian vessels examined are over 20 years old, which is beyond the recommended service life for such tankers. These ships are famous for turning off their satellite tracking systems in a bid to avoid detection by authorities. The combination of age and lack of maintenance raises significant concerns about their operational safety and ability to adhere to international maritime standards, making them a liability in the event of an incident.

Moreover, in light of recent incidents globally involving shadow fleets, which have reported over 50 cases of collisions and oil spills, the implications of Iran's tankers becoming involved in a spill could be severe. Analysts warn that should one of these poorly maintained vessels fail, it could lead to oil slicks affecting marine ecosystems across multiple regions, with previous incidents involving shadow tankers already causing environmental distress in locations from Thailand to Mexico. The situation underscores the urgent need for improved oversight and regulation in the maritime industry to mitigate such risks.