[The U.S. military expands the scope of the maritime blockade on Iran to include weapons and other contraband] Odaily Planet Daily News: According to market sources, the U.S. military has expanded the scope of the maritime blockade on Iran to include contraband such as arms and weapons. Any vessel suspected of transporting contraband to Iran, regardless of its location, is subject to the 'right of visit and search' by belligerent nations and may be seized.