US Navy ships’ Penang stop cleared by Malaysia amid rising Middle East tensions
Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin clarified that the docking of two US Navy littoral combat ships in Penang adhered to all established protocols, as the vessels conducted routine logistical replenishments amidst heightened regional tensions in the Middle East.
- Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated the US Navy vessels complied with all Malaysian diplomatic and naval protocols for port entry.
- The USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara conducted a brief logistical stop at the North Butterworth Container Terminal between 14 and 16 March 2026.
- The visit coincides with escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, raising questions regarding Malaysia’s position in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed on 17 March 2026 that two United States Navy littoral combat ships (LCS) docked in Penang complied with all established Malaysian maritime and diplomatic procedures.
He noted that naval vessels worldwide routinely make port calls for logistical purposes before continuing to their final destinations, including replenishment of essential supplies.
According to Mohamed Khaled Nordin, foreign naval vessels must submit formal requests through their governments to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), which are then forwarded to the Foreign Ministry for final approval.
Details of vessels and port call
The statement followed reports of two Independence-class littoral combat ships, USS Tulsa (LCS-16) and USS Santa Barbara (LCS-32), being sighted at the North Butterworth Container Terminal on 15 March 2026.
Photographs circulated widely on social media after being posted by military tracker Sherwynd Kessler, showing the ships docked about 5,600 kilometres from their primary operational area in the Persian Gulf.
Penang Port Commission Chairman Yeoh Soon Hin confirmed the warships arrived on 14 March 2026 and departed on 16 March 2026.
The vessels are configured for specialised roles including minesweeping and surface warfare.
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Role in Middle East operations
Both ships were recently forward-deployed to the Middle East, having arrived in Bahrain within the past year to replace decommissioned Avenger-class mine hunters.
A spokesman for the US Navy 5th Fleet told CNN that the Penang visit formed part of brief logistical stops, reflecting continued military cooperation between the US and Malaysia.
The US Navy declined to comment on future operations involving the two ships.
Heightened geopolitical context
The timing of the port call has drawn attention as the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran entered its third week.
Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting US-aligned countries in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
These developments have disrupted global commerce and air travel. On 16 March 2026, Iranian security chief Ali Larijani questioned the silence of Muslim governments over US-Israeli operations against Tehran.
Malaysia’s ports regularly host foreign naval vessels due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Malacca as a global shipping route.
In March 2024, the Republic of Korea Navy vessel ROKS Kang Gam-chan made a similar stop, while Russian Navy ships RFS Sovershenny and RFS Rezkiy visited in February 2024.
US aircraft carriers, including USS Nimitz, USS Carl Vinson, and USS Abraham Lincoln, have also docked in Malaysia in recent years.
Broader US military positioning
In addition to the two littoral combat ships, the amphibious warship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is reportedly heading to the Middle East with embarked Marines.
The deployment is part of broader US efforts to reinforce its presence in the region amid escalating tensions.
US President Donald Trump has called on international partners, including China and Japan, to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked by Iran.
The strait carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, making it a critical artery for global energy markets.
