Marine Traffic ship tracking data shows that three empty oil and chemical tankers have diverted away from the Strait of Hormuz and changed course, amid growing uncertainty over whether Iran will take reprisal action in the vital waterway after US airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities, Reuters reports.

The Marie C and Red Ruby, which were in ballast rather than carrying cargo and previously sailing towards the Strait, dropped anchor near Fujairah off the United Arab Emirates coast.

The Kohzan Maru was sailing in the Gulf of Oman close to Omani waters, according to data on the MarineTraffic platform.

Japan’s Nippon Yusen and Mitsui OSK Lines said they had instructed their vessels to minimise the time spent in the Gulf as they continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz.