Iran Warns Kuwait, Bahrain Tanker Crews to Flee Ships Amid US-Iran Tensions

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy issued a warning to tanker crews at Kuwait and Bahrain ports on September 8, advising them to abandon their ships immediately. The IRGC claimed that US forces had destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in response to which Iran would target the remaining vessels.

The warning was issued hours after the US military confirmed striking five Iranian tankers in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. The IRGC accused Kuwait and Bahrain of hosting US forces and supporting their actions against Iran, adding that the tankers at these ports were legitimate targets.

On September 9, Iran reported attacking 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz as a response to US attacks on its oil tankers. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that four Iranian crude carriers were struck in the Gulf of Oman and one near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf.

CENTCOM identified the targeted tankers as M/T Charminar, M/T Kaviz, M/T Horizon 1, and M/T Riesco in the Gulf of Oman, and M/T Derya near Kharg Island. Iranian state media reported a different account, stating that two tankers were hit.