A US blockade of Iran’s ports has taken effect, as threatened by President Donald Trump, who said the blockade would begin at 10:00 ET (14:00 GMT / 15:00 BST).
In a social media post, the US president warned that any Iranian “fast attack ships” caught trying to approach the blockade “will be immediately ELIMINATED.”
The blockade is set to encompass the entirety of the Iranian coastline, according to a note sent from US Central Command (Centcom) to seafarers and reported by Reuters news agency.
It will impact ships of any flag in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, east of the Strait of Hormuz.
Furthermore, Centcom warned that vessels entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion, and capture,” the note said.
It added that humanitarian shipments such as food and medical supplies would be allowed, subject to inspection.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says military vessels approaching the strait will be “dealt with severely.”
Earlier, Iran’s parliament speaker said the country would not “surrender under threats” – there has been no response to Trump’s latest remarks.
Meanwhile, ships should be prepared to encounter the US blockade, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has warned in a new advisory.
The note to seafarers urged that any vessel in the area to “maintain heightened situational awareness” and that more specific guidance is to follow.
The advisory also released additional guidance for mariners regarding how these measures will be applied in practice, including routing, verification and authorised transit producers, are in development.
UKMTO encourages anyone sailing the Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz to expect military presence and possible interception.
“These access restrictions apply without distinction to vessels of any flag engaging with Iranian ports, oil terminals, or coastal facilities,” UKMTO said of the threatened blockade.
“Further clarification is expected to be provided through subsequent advisories as information becomes available,” it added.
