Iran hits American tanker near Kuwait port, oil spill reported after massive explosion

Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a massive explosion was reportedly witnessed on March 4, 2026, around 22:40 UTC (4:10 am IST on March 5, 2026) on a tanker in the waters near a Kuwait Port. The United Kingdom ​Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the incident through a post on X. The master of the tanker saw a small aircraft, leaving the area after the explosion, which happened 30 nautical miles (56 km) ​southeast of Kuwait’s Mubarak Al Kabeer port in the Gulf.

“UKMTO has received a report of an incident 30NM south east of MUBARAK AL KABEER, KUWAIT. The Master of a tanker at anchor reports witnessing and hearing a large explosion on the port side, then seeing a small craft leave the vicinity,” the UKMTO said.

IRGC later claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that they hit an American tanker. The Iranian govt has said that US, Israeli and European ships will not be allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz during the war.

According to the British Maritime Agency, no fires were spotted after the massive explosion. It added that the crew of the tanker was safe. However, an oil spill in the water at the site of the explosion was confirmed by the UKMTO. “There is oil in the water coming from a cargo tank, which could have some environmental impact. The vessel has taken on water, there are no fires reported, and the crew are safe and well. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” the agency added.

The incident was later confirmed by the interior ministry of Kuwait. The ministry said that the explosion occurred outside the territorial waters of Kuwait, about 60 km (37 miles) from Mubarak Al Kabeer port. “The Ministry of Interior denies what has been circulated through some media outlets and social media sites regarding an incident occurring off the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port,” the Ministry informed through a post on X.

“The Ministry affirms that what is being circulated is untrue, and that the incident referred to occurred outside the territorial waters of the State of Kuwait, at a distance of no less than (60) kilometres from Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, urging everyone to exercise accuracy and to source information solely from official authorities in the country,” it added.

As per reports, this is the sixth attack on a cargo tank to have happened between Tuesday (March 3, 2026) and Wednesday (March 4, 2026).

Written by OpIndia Staff
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