Kuala lumpur: Two US Navy mine countermeasure ships, last known to be deployed in the Middle East, are now conducting logistical stops in Malaysia, the US Fifth Fleet has announced. "Tulsa and Santa Barbara are conducting brief logistical stops in Malaysia," a Public Affairs Officer for the US Fifth Fleet stated, highlighting the routine nature of the port calls and the strong military relations between the US and Malaysia.

According to Anadolu Agency, the spokesperson did not comment on the possible impact of these ships' absence on mine countermeasure operations in the Strait of Hormuz or whether any additional naval assets are being deployed to the region. USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara are Independence-class littoral combat ships equipped for near-shore missions, including mine countermeasures, surface warfare, and maritime security. Previously stationed in Bahrain, they replaced a group of decommissioned Avenger-class mine hunters.

The timeline of their departure from the Middle East remains uncertain, as does whether it occurred before or during the heightened military activity involving US-Israeli operations against Iran. This development follows reports, yet to be confirmed, of Iran laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump recently stated that American forces are actively targeting Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the strait. He mentioned that US forces have struck over 30 mine-laying vessels, claiming that this represents the entirety of Tehran's fleet.