US begins blockading ships entering or exiting Iranian ports

The US military on Monday began implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for military operations in the Mideast and elsewhere, said on Sunday that the blockade will be "enforced impartially against vessels of all nations" entering or leaving Iranian ports in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

"CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports," it said.

US President Donald Trump announced a blockade on Iranian ports set to take effect at 1400GMT on Monday.

The announcement followed rare direct talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan over the weekend aimed at ending the war that began on Feb. 28, but the negotiations failed to produce an agreement.