US Naval Blockade
International Law Dimensions
A naval blockade under international law (Laws of Armed Conflict / laws of naval warfare) is a belligerent operation to prevent vessels from entering or exiting enemy ports. The 1856 Declaration of Paris and the 1909 Declaration of London codified blockade rules, requiring that a blockade must be (i) declared, (ii) effective, and (iii) not applied to neutral vessels carrying non-contraband goods. In modern international law, blockades during armed conflict are governed by the San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea (1994).
- US naval blockade of Iranian ports: announced and effective April 13, 2026
- Scope: applies only to ships going to and from Iranian ports, per US military statement
- Multiple countries — UK, Australia, EU member states — expressed opposition to the blockade
- Iran threatened consequences against ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- India has consistently maintained a neutral position, calling for diplomatic resolution
● Tracked since April 14, 2026 · last seen April 18, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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