Investing.com - The U.S. military will enforce a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, applying to all vessel traffic regardless of flag, the U.S. Central Command said in a note to seafarers on Monday.

The blockade came into effect at 1400 GMT on Monday.

Any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion, and capture, according to the note.

The blockade will not impede neutral transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations, the U.S. Central Command said.

Neutral vessels may still be subject to the right of visit and search to determine the presence of contraband cargo, the note added.

Humanitarian shipments including food, medical supplies, and other essential goods will be permitted, subject to inspection.