Red Shores of Iran’s Hormuz Island Stun Global Media - VIDEO

The shores of Iran’s Hormuz Island have captured widespread international attention after heavy rainfall turned the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf a striking blood-red, sparking extensive coverage in global media and on social networks.

Recent downpours washed the island’s iron-rich red soil into the sea, creating dramatic and unusual scenes along the coastline, The Caspian Post report, citing Iranian media.

Videos shared online show rainwater mixed with mineral sediments flowing from the island’s hills toward the shore, transforming beaches into deep crimson shades.

🩸Heavy rain at "Sahel Sorkh" (Red Beach) in #Hormoz Island has created an astonishing scene. #nature

The beach's vivid red color is due to a high concentration of iron oxide, particularly the mineral hematite, found in the island's soil and rock. pic.twitter.com/z3n6yOJKLT

— News.Az (@news_az) December 17, 2025

Fox News attributed the phenomenon to rainwater mixing with mineral-rich deposits and seawater, noting that Hormuz is locally known as the “Rainbow Island” due to its multicolored soils and rocks. The outlet reported that intense rainfall earlier this week caused the island’s already red shoreline to darken even further.

The network reported that intense rainfall earlier this week caused the island’s already red shoreline to darken further.

The UK’s Daily Telegraph referred to the event as a “blood rain” spectacle, reporting that nearly 100 millimeters of rain, about five times Iran’s monthly average, washed iron-rich soil into the sea.

French outlets such as 20 Minutes and France Info also highlighted the event, calling it rare and visually stunning.

India’s NDTV described the scene as a “breathtaking natural phenomenon,” explaining that Hormuz is rich in iron oxide, particularly hematite, which gives the soil and water their vivid red color.

Located near the Strait of Hormuz, the island is a major tourist attraction known for its unique geology and natural beauty.