Gate News message: On April 13, the U.S. Central Command issued a bulletin stating that U.S. Central Command forces will begin implementing a maritime blockade of all sea traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports starting at 22:00 Beijing time today. This blockade will be enforced uniformly against all national vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports and the coastal areas (including all Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman). Central Command forces will not interfere with the freedom of navigation of vessels traveling back and forth between the Strait of Hormuz and non-Iranian ports. Before the blockade begins, more information will be provided to commercial mariners through official notice. The U.S. Central Command advises all mariners to monitor broadcasts of “Notice to Mariners,” and when operating in the Gulf of Oman and the entry area of the Strait of Hormuz, to contact U.S. Navy forces via VHF Channel 16 between bridges.