An oil tanker anchored off Kuwait was hit by a large explosion on Thursday, leading to an oil spill in surrounding waters, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported.

The tanker’s captain reportedly saw the blast on the vessel’s port side and noticed a small boat leaving the area. Oil was seen leaking from a cargo tank, raising concerns about environmental impact. Kuwait’s Interior Ministry confirmed the incident occurred about 60 kilometres from Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, outside Kuwaiti territorial waters.

The explosion comes amid rising tensions in the Gulf as the US, Iran, and Israel continue military actions in the region. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards recently claimed full control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.

In response to the conflict, Chinese shipping company Cosco suspended services to and from Gulf countries, including Kuwait. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the explosion, and investigations are ongoing. The incident highlights the growing risks to shipping and energy supply in the Gulf.