Washington (USA), 13 April. (LaPresse) – The US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has begun. According to what was announced by the US Central Command, the blockade of Iranian ports would begin at 10am US Eastern time (4pm in Italy and 5.30pm in Iran). Shipowners and the UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations), reports the Giardian, have received notices indicating that the blockade will apply to all naval traffic, regardless of flag. The UKMTO notice clarified that cross-Strait transit to or from non-Iranian destinations should not be affected by such restrictions; however, the UKMTO has warned that vessels attempting such a passage would likely risk encountering a military presence.