US attacks Iranian tankers; IRGC warns crews and hits US forces in Jordan

Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a directive on Tuesday urging the crews of oil tankers anchored in Kuwaiti and Bahraini waters to disembark, warning that the vessels could become targets after a recent United States strike on Iranian facilities. The statement, released through the IRGC’s public affairs office, said the move was a direct response to the U.S. operation that hit a command center in the Persian Gulf on Monday, which the IRGC described as an act of aggression.

The IRGC’s warning specifically cited the risk of “retaliatory actions” against any ship that remains in the area, urging shipping companies to relocate their assets to safer ports. Kuwait’s Ministry of Oil confirmed that several tankers are currently idle in its territorial waters but declined to comment on the IRGC’s claims. Bahrain’s port authority similarly noted that the anchored vessels are under standard security protocols and that no immediate threats have been identified. The United States has not publicly responded to the IRGC’s advisory, while diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran remain strained.

Analysts note that the directive could disrupt regional oil logistics, given the strategic importance of the Gulf’s anchorage points for global energy shipments. Both Kuwait and Bahrain are monitoring the situation closely, and maritime operators are expected to adjust routes pending further developments. The episode adds to a series of escalations in the Persian Gulf, underscoring heightened security concerns for commercial shipping in the area.