US expands maritime blockade on Iran

The United States Navy has expanded its shipping blockade on Iran to include a broader range of cargoes deemed contraband, with vessels suspected of heading to Iranian territory now subject to search and seizure, according to an advisory issued on April 16.

“These vessels, regardless of location, are subject to visit, board, search, and seizure,” the navy said in an updated notice following the blockade imposed on April 13, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

The navy said contraband includes weapons, weapons systems, ammunition, nuclear materials, crude and refined oil products, as well as iron, steel and aluminium.

The advisory added that vessels suspected of attempting to reach Iran would be subject to belligerent rights to visit and search under maritime rules.

By Sabina Mammadli