LONDON — The U.S. military is set to begin enforcing a full maritime blockade against Iran beginning Tuesday, according to an announcement made Monday by the U.S. Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC).
According to an advisory issued by the center, the blockade will take effect at 8:00 p.m. GMT on July 14 and will apply to all vessel traffic approaching or departing Iran’s ports, oil terminals, and coastal waters — regardless of what country’s flag a ship is flying.
The center made clear the consequences for ships that do not follow the restrictions: “Any vessel suspected of entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion, and capture. Non-compliant vessels may be legally compelled with force.”
Despite the sweeping nature of the blockade, the JMIC noted that neutral ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz on their way to or from destinations outside of Iran will be allowed to continue without interference.
