US military to enforce blockade in Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, note to seafarers

Published 13 Apr, 2026 05:29pm 1 min read

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

The note ​said the blockade would come into effect at ​1400 GMT on Monday.

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

“The ​blockade will not impede neutral transit passage through the ‌Strait ⁠of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations.”

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

Tehran has threatened to retaliate against ports of its Gulf neighbours, after weekend talks failed to ⁠reach ​a deal to end the ​war, leaving a ceasefire in jeopardy.

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