American naval forces have begun implementing a maritime blockade in strategic Middle Eastern waters, according to a military communication obtained by news agencies on Monday.
The U.S. Central Command issued guidance to maritime operators stating that American forces will control shipping traffic in Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea waters located east of the Strait of Hormuz, with restrictions applying to vessels of all nations.
The naval operation became active at 1400 GMT on Monday, military officials confirmed.
According to the maritime advisory, “Any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion, and capture.”
However, the military emphasized that normal shipping routes would remain open, stating “The blockade will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations.”
The restricted zone covers Iran’s entire coastal region, including major shipping ports and petroleum export facilities, according to the official notice. While commercial traffic faces restrictions, the military indicated that relief supplies such as food, medical equipment, and other critical humanitarian materials would be allowed through following inspection procedures.
The maritime action comes as diplomatic efforts over the weekend failed to produce an agreement to halt ongoing conflicts, putting existing ceasefire arrangements at risk. Iranian officials have warned they may target neighboring Gulf states’ port facilities in response to the blockade.
