US may announce coalition to escort ships through Strait of Hormuz this week

US President Donald Trump's administration could announce as early as this week that several countries have agreed to form a coalition to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz along Iran's coast, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday. Citing US officials, the newspaper said discussions are ongoing about whether the escort operations would begin before or after hostilities end in the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Uncertain timing

However, the White House declined to comment on the possible announcement, which could change depending on developments on the battlefield. Publicly, many countries have remained noncommittal about joining such a mission until fighting stops because of the risks involved, the report added, highlighting the diplomatic challenges of assembling the coalition.

Strategic waterway

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint, with around 20 million barrels of oil and petroleum products passing through it daily, representing roughly 20% of global consumption. It has been effectively closed since early March following Iranian retaliatory strikes, disrupting global energy supplies and pushing oil prices above $100 per barrel.

Conflict context

The US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, killing around 1,300 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US assets, while also closing the strait to normal traffic. The proposed escort coalition would aim to reopen the waterway and protect commercial shipping.

Regional diplomacy

Trump has previously called on Arab countries dependent on oil flowing through the strait to join the fight to keep it open, arguing the US should not bear the burden alone due to American energy independence. The coalition announcement would represent a significant step in international efforts to restore maritime security.