Reuters: US declares naval blockade in Gulf of Oman

The US military will enforce a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, applying to all vessel traffic regardless of flag, said a note to seafarers from US Central Command seen by Reuters.

The note said the blockade would come into effect at 1400 GMT on April 13.

“Any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion, and capture,” the note said.

It added that the blockade would not interfere with neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations.

 The note said the blockade “encompasses the entirety of the Iranian coastline to include but not limited to ports and oil terminals,” adding that humanitarian shipments, including food, medical supplies, and other essential goods, would be permitted subject to inspection.

CENTCOM also stated that humanitarian shipments would remain allowed, including food and medical supplies, though subject to inspection.

The announcement comes as Tehran has threatened to retaliate against ports in neighboring Gulf states following failed weekend talks that did not produce a deal to end the conflict, leaving a fragile ceasefire at risk.

By Vafa Guliyeva