The US has expanded the blockade it imposed on Iranian ports and coastal areas to include all Iranian vessels, sanctioned vessels and any vessel suspected of carrying contraband, regardless of location, according to a notice by the US Naval Forces Central Command.
The non-exhaustive list of what can qualify as contraband is divided between absolute and conditional contraband. Absolute contraband includes weapons, ammunition, explosives, military vehicles and intelligence systems. Conditional contraband comprises crude and refined products, nuclear material, metals and raw materials, including iron ore, steel and rare earth elements, dual-use electronics and components, chemicals, vehicles, power generation equipment and information technology and communications equipment.
