Hyderabad, April 13 -- The United States (US) will begin blocking all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports from Monday, April 13, as a fragile ceasefire with Iran enters its sixth day.

The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said the blockade will take effect at 10 a.m. ET (7:30 pm IST), covering all Iranian ports along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, in line with a presidential directive issued after the collapse of talks in Islamabad.

Scope of restrictions clarified

CENTCOM said the blockade will apply to vessels of all nations accessing Iranian ports and coastal areas. It added that ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports will not be impeded, ensuring continued passage through th...