US military announces naval blockade in Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea

KUWAIT: The US military will enforce a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, east of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting all vessel traffic regardless of flag, according to a notice from US Central Command seen by Reuters on Monday.

The advisory said that the blockade will take effect at 1400 GMT on Monday.

It further warned that any vessel entering or leaving the restricted area without authorization could face interception, diversion, or seizure.

However, the notice clarified that the blockade will not disrupt neutral transit through the Strait of Hormuz for ships traveling to or from non-Iranian destinations.