Tanker Explosion Off Kuwait Causes Oil Spill Amid Gulf Shipping Tensions

A tanker anchored off Kuwait's Mubarak Al-Kabeer area was struck by a large explosion, causing an oil spill, according to the British maritime security agency UKMTO. The vessel's master reported hearing the blast and seeing a small craft leave the scene. Kuwait's interior ministry stated the incident occurred outside its territorial waters, about 60 kilometers from port. The crew are safe, and authorities are investigating. The explosion adds to tensions amid the ongoing US-Iran-Israel conflict disrupting Gulf shipping, with Chinese firm COSCO suspending services to Gulf countries.