The United States has announced the extension of its maritime blockade to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, east of the Strait of Hormuz, according to an official memo sent to seafarers. This measure, which applies to all maritime traffic regardless of flag state, marks a further escalation in the conflict with Iran.
According to CENTCOM, the blockade took effect on Monday at 14:00 PM GMT. Any ship entering or leaving the area without authorization may be "intercepted, diverted and captured," the document states, illustrating the firmness of the American position.
The measure covers, in particular, maritime zones along the Iranian coast, while maintaining an exception for neutral transit through the Strait of Hormuz, provided that the ships are not headed for Iranian ports. Humanitarian cargo remains permitted, but will be subject to inspections.
This decision comes after the failure of negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at establishing a ceasefire in a conflict that has now lasted six weeks. The president Donald Trump ordered this hardening of measures, increasing the pressure on the Islamic Republic.
In response, Iran threatened retaliation, while markets reacted immediately: oil prices climbed above $100, reflecting concerns about global supply. The shipping sector is also facing significant uncertainty, with a notable decrease in the number of ships in transit.
This rise in tensions in one of the most strategic areas for global trade raises fears of a major military escalation, the consequences of which could be felt far beyond the Gulf.
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