Original Source
US Warships Retreat from Gulf Amid Iran Threats, Allies Pressured for Deployment
US Mine Countermeasure Ships Relocate to Avoid Iranian Threat
It has been revealed that the United States relocated its mine countermeasure ships, USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara, from the Gulf region to Penang Port in Malaysia in response to threats from Iran. These ships, part of the US 5th Fleet based in Bahrain, are advanced models equipped with helicopters and specialized gear for mine detection. On May 15, they were sighted in the Malaysian port, over 4,000 miles (approximately 6,437 km) away from the Gulf. Other mine countermeasure vessels, including the USS Canberra, have also reportedly moved to the Indian coast recently.
US Justification for Relocation and Trump's Pressure on Allies
The US military stated the relocation was for 'short-term logistical support,' but military experts suggest it was a strategic move to avoid potential Iranian attacks. According to US military news outlet 'The Warzone,' Bahrain, where the 5th Fleet is based, is within Iran's missile range, making ships docked in its ports vulnerable to attack. Despite this, President Donald Trump is reportedly pressuring allied nations to send their mine countermeasure vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, leading to criticism over the perceived double standard—the US moves its own assets to safety while asking allies to face the danger.
*Source: YouTube: YTN (2026-03-17)*
