US blockade of Iranian ports begins, Iran threatens Gulf

The naval blockade announced by Washington on Iranian seaports began at 2:00 PM GMT (5:00 PM Saudi time).

Earlier today, a notice to mariners seen by Reuters indicated that the US military would impose maritime control in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz.

The US military confirmed that maritime control includes the movement of all vessels, regardless of their flag, noting that any vessel entering or leaving the blocked area without authorization would be subject to interception, diversion, and seizure.

Humanitarian aid shipments, including food, medical supplies, and other essential goods, will be permitted, provided they undergo inspection.

The United States will impose a blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command. The blockade will be applied equitably to ships of all countries entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

The Iranian military, for its part, declared the U.S. naval blockade "illegal" and tantamount to "piracy," threatening that Gulf ports would not be safe if Iranian ports were blockaded.

ANHA