Key facts
- The European Union is delaying the release of satellite images of the Strait of Hormuz region by 24 hours.
- The decision was made in response to a US government request.
- The delay affects images from Copernicus Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellites.
- The US government's request was made on May 26.
- The US military resumed broader military strikes against Iran following an announcement by President Donald Trump.
The European Union has implemented a 24-hour delay in releasing satellite images of shipping lanes near the Strait of Hormuz, a move prompted by a US government request. This decision comes as the Trump administration escalates its military actions against Iran. The change affects data from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellites, impacting the free and open data policy of the EU's Earth observation program. The US initially requested this restriction on May 26, during a period of fragile ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. Satellite imagery has been crucial for military and open-source intelligence during the war, which began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran. While US satellite firms have largely restricted imagery related to the conflict due to security concerns, the EU's delay is considered less onerous but still creates friction in providing timely transparency. The war has already resulted in thousands of casualties and significant global energy disruptions.