U.S. Expands Iran Blockade With Global Boarding Powers, Broad ‘Contraband’ Crackdown

The U.S.-led maritime blockade of Iranian ports has entered a new and more aggressive phase, with fresh guidance confirming that American forces can now stop, board, and potentially seize vessels far beyond the immediate vicinity of Iran.

A new advisory issued by the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) on April 16 outlines a sweeping expansion of enforcement authority, transforming what began as a port-focused blockade into a broader maritime interdiction campaign spanning key global shipping lanes.

Under the updated guidance, Iranian-flagged vessels, ships under U.S. sanctions, and any vessel suspected of carrying “contraband” cargo are now subject to the “belligerent right