Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has issued an urgent warning to tanker crews near ports and anchorages in Kuwait and Bahrain, telling them to leave their vessels amid escalating military exchanges between Iran and the United States.

The warning followed U.S. strikes on five Iranian crude oil tankers on September 8. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes came after the IRGC twice attempted to target a U.S. Navy warship with ballistic missiles. CENTCOM said the warship avoided the attacks and continued operating in the region.

Iran, meanwhile, claimed that it targeted two U.S. vessels and struck eight oil tankers, while 10 other tankers were reportedly turned back after attempting to pass through an area of the Strait of Hormuz that Iran considers prohibited and unsafe. These Iranian claims have not all been independently confirmed. One tanker, New Andros, was confirmed struck and set on fire southeast of Al-Faw, Iraq.

The IRGC has also threatened to expand its actions as tensions continue across the Gulf region. The latest warnings add further risks for merchant vessels and their crews operating near Kuwait, Bahrain, the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters as the exchange of attacks between Iran and U.S. forces continues.

The latest attacks come amid escalating military activity affecting commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and waters surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Separate incidents involving merchant vessels have also been reported in the region, increasing security concerns for ships and crews operating near areas affected by the continuing U.S.-Iran conflict.

All seafarers operating or scheduled to transit the region are advised to remain alert and closely follow instructions from their masters, company security officers, flag States, and relevant maritime authorities. Crews should monitor official maritime security advisories and voyage updates, particularly when sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman, as the security situation may change rapidly.CENTCOM directly confirms the five tanker strikes, the attempted ballistic-missile attacks, the locations, and the order for crews to abandon ship. ⁠ Reuters also reports that merchant vessels have since been caught in further attacks around the Gulf and Gulf of Oman. ⁠