The U.S. military has set a policy not to obstruct the passage through the Strait of Hormuz of ships bound for destinations other than Iran, Reuters reported on the 3rd (local time). It was also reported that neutral transit routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz from Iran will be allowed to move.
The United States plans to begin a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports starting at 10 a.m. on the 13th Eastern time (11 p.m. on the 13th Korea time). Reuters said it obtained and reported on advance notices to sailors from the U.S. military ahead of the measure.
The notice said U.S. Central Command will enforce the blockade in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, and that it will apply to all ship traffic regardless of flag state. It also said, "Any vessel entering the blockade area without authorization or departing from that area will be subject to interdiction, diversion, or capture." It added, "This blockade will not interfere with neutral rights of transit in the Strait of Hormuz to and from Iranian destinations."
Reuters said the notice to sailors also stated that neutral ships may be subject to searches to confirm whether they are carrying contraband cargo. The U.S. military also plans to allow passage of humanitarian supplies, including food, medical supplies, and other essentials, on the condition that they are subject to inspection.