USS Fletcher Helps Maintain U.N. Blockade on Iraq

PERSIAN GULF - NOVEMBER 19: Sailors aboard the USS Fletcher use email to stay in touch with friends November 19, 2002 in the Persian Gulf. The ship is part of the U.S. Navy effort to maintain the U.N. blockade on Iraq.The Iraqi regime is allowed to sell oil to import approved goods into Iraq. Maritime Interception Operations is a coalition effort that enforces United Nations Security Council resolutions imposed against Iraq. Initiated in the wake of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the U.S. Navy continues to check merchant vessel traffic in the Persian Gulf. The United Nations prohibits cargo originating from Iraq and any imports not accompanied by a U.N. authorization letter. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)