Kuwait urges military to take 'maximum caution' amid US-Iran tensions

Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah made the comments while visiting National Guard forces, the state-run KUNA news agency reported on Monday.

"You are well aware of the serious developments around us in the region that require you to take the highest level of caution while carrying out your duties," Sheikh Sabah was quoted as saying.

The comments come after the emir condemned mysterious "sabotage attacks" on four ships, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the coast of the UAE.

The US has deployed bombers and an assault ship to bolster an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf, through which most Gulf oil exports pass.

The US deployment last week was made to counter alleged, still-unspecified threats from Tehran.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi called the recent boat attacks "alarming and regrettable".

He "warned against plots by ill-wishers to disrupt regional security" and "called for the vigilance of regional states in the face of any adventurism by foreign elements".

Satellite images have shown no major visible damage to the vessels.

Iran rivals Saudi Arabia for influence in the Middle East, with the two taking opposing sides in multiple regional conflicts including in Yemen.