The United States is preparing to announce a multinational naval coalition to escort commercial ships through the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz, as tensions in the Middle East continue to drive global oil prices higher.
US President Donald Trump has urged several allied nations to contribute warships to ensure the crucial maritime route remains “open and safe.” The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global oil corridor, handling nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply. However, despite repeated appeals, no country has yet made firm commitments to join the proposed coalition.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, discussions among US officials and allies are ongoing regarding the timing of the naval deployment. The operation could begin either during the ongoing conflict or after its conclusion.
The current crisis escalated on February 28 following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, prompting retaliatory actions from Tehran. The conflict has since disrupted shipping routes and raised concerns over global energy security.
While Trump has claimed that Iran is open to negotiations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has strongly rejected those assertions. In an interview with CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Araqchi stated that Iran has neither sought a ceasefire nor requested negotiations, emphasizing that the country is prepared to defend itself for as long as necessary.
Trump has also warned that the future of NATO could be at risk if member nations fail to support efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that European allies should reciprocate US support in global conflicts, particularly as Washington has backed Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Despite the urgency, the White House has not yet released an official statement detailing the coalition plan. As geopolitical tensions persist, the success of this initiative will be critical in ensuring the stability of global oil supply chains and maintaining security in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.
