Leaked US plan reveals new coalition to reopen Strait of Hormuz
The Wall Street Journal has obtained leaked diplomatic cables showing that the US plans to form a “Maritime Freedom Architecture” coalition to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The plan focuses on intelligence sharing, diplomatic coordination, and simultaneous sanctions. Meanwhile, CENTCOM confirmed 41 tankers carrying 69 million barrels of Iranian oil are stuck at sea.
Leaked diplomatic correspondence obtained by the Wall Street Journal reveals that the United States is building a new international coalition, tentatively named the “Maritime Freedom Architecture,” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Instructions sent by the State Department to US embassies urge intense diplomatic pressure on allied nations to join the coalition. The documents emphasize that participation would restore freedom of navigation and protect the global economy. However, a sharp contrast exists between Washington’s official rhetoric and reality on the water: despite President Trump’s claims that the strait is fully open, vessel traffic remains nearly halted.
Blockade costs and military posture
Iran has threatened to mine or attack tankers attempting to transit without its permission, while the US maintains a tight blockade on all vessels linked to Iranian ports. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper announced that 42 commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade have been turned away. Currently, 41 tankers carrying 69 million barrels of Iranian oil—worth over $6 billion—are stuck at sea, unable to sell their cargo. Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which has served a record 309 days in the region, is preparing to return to Virginia in mid-May as peace talks remain deadlocked.
Conflict background
The crisis began when the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Iranian retaliation against Israeli and US assets in the region. More than 3,300 people have been killed. A two-week Pakistan-brokered ceasefire was announced on April 8 and later extended indefinitely by President Trump at Pakistan’s request.
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