Explosion reported near tanker anchored 30nm south-east of Kuwait

Al Jazeera and Kuwait official sources report an explosion near a tanker anchored approximately 30 nautical miles (56km) south-east of Kuwait's Mubarak al-Kabeer port. The tanker is one of the ~150 vessels anchored outside the Strait of Hormuz following the P&I insurance withdrawal. The cause has not been confirmed: maritime security analysts suggest it could be a mine strike (consistent with IRGC mine-laying operations), a Shahed drone impact, or an accidental explosion. Kuwait's coast guard and navy are responding. The tanker's flag state has not been confirmed. If confirmed as an IRGC attack on an anchored vessel that was NOT attempting to transit, it would mark a major escalation — Iran attacking ships outside the strait rather than at transit chokepoints. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a warning to all vessels in the area.