India, May 11 -- A possible oil spill near Iran's strategically important Kharg Island has sparked global attention after satellite images appeared to show a large slick spreading across Gulf waters. The reports emerged at a time of rising tensions between Iran and the United States, increased naval activity near the Strait of Hormuz and growing concerns over disruptions to global oil supplies.

However, Iranian authorities have firmly denied that any leak occurred, calling the reports inaccurate after conducting inspections around the country's main oil export terminal.

The development has now triggered debate over whether the slick seen in satellite images was truly an oil leak, where it may have originated and what impact it could hav...