Three tankers divert from Strait of Hormuz amid closure fears

Three empty oil and chemical tankers have diverted away from the Strait of Hormuz, altering their course amid growing uncertainty over whether Iran will block the waterway in response to US airstrikes on Tehran's nuclear facilities, Report informs, citing the maritime tracking service Marine Traffic.

"The tankers Marie C and Red Ruby, which were in ballast and not carrying cargo, had been en route to the strait but have now anchored near Fujairah off the UAE coast," the statement said.

Meanwhile, Japanese shipping companies Nippon Yusen and Mitsui OSK Lines have announced that they have instructed their vessels to minimize time spent in the Gulf, although they continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.