CENTCOM warns vessels in Gulf of Oman face interception under blockade order
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- US Central Command says vessels entering designated area may be intercepted or captured.
- Neutral transit through Strait of Hormuz reportedly exempt from blockade enforcement.
The US military has said it will enforce a blockade on vessels operating in parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a notice to seafarers cited by Reuters.
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The statement, attributed to US Central Command (United States Central Command), warns that any vessel entering or leaving the designated area without authorization may be subject to interception, diversion, or capture.
Scope of enforcement
The notice states the blockade applies broadly to all vessels regardless of flag within the specified zone.
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However, it adds that the measures “will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations,” indicating a distinction between blockade enforcement zones and shipping lanes deemed neutral.
Escalation in maritime tensions
The announcement comes amid rising tensions in the region following disruptions to maritime traffic linked to the ongoing conflict and competing security claims over Gulf waterways.
The Gulf of Oman and surrounding sea lanes are critical corridors for global energy shipments, making any restriction or military enforcement highly significant for international trade.
