US Seeks to Form International Coalition to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
The United States is seeking to form a new international coalition to reopen commercial shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, as peace negotiations with Iran have stalled. Shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz has been restricted since the war broke out in late February.
The US effort, as reported by AFP on Thursday (30/4/2026), involves its diplomats in various countries.
A report from the leading US media outlet, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), states that the US State Department has sent an internal cable to US embassies in various countries, urging diplomats to persuade governments worldwide to join the “Maritime Freedom Construct”.
The Maritime Freedom Construct, according to the WSJ report, is a US-led bloc for sharing information, coordinating diplomatically, and enforcing sanctions.
Iran is seeking compensation for attacks against it by taking control of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow strategic waterway that carried one-fifth of global oil supplies before the war.
As oil prices remain high for several weeks, US President Donald Trump has called on US allies to help lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, stating last month: “This should always be a team effort.”
The new US-led coalition, according to the WSJ report, will involve the State Department as the “diplomatic operations centre” and the US Central Command (CENTCOM) providing “real-time maritime domain awareness”.
“Your participation will strengthen our collective ability to restore freedom of navigation and protect the global economy,” reads the US diplomatic cable sent on Tuesday (28/4) local time.
“Collective action is essential to demonstrate united resolve and deliver meaningful impact against the barriers Iran has imposed on transit through the strait,” the US diplomatic cable states.
A senior unnamed Trump administration official confirmed to the WSJ that the idea is one of many diplomatic and policy resources led by the US President.
Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO allies over their response to the war waged by the US-Israel against Iran. He has even hinted that Washington could withdraw from the 77-year-old military alliance.
Efforts to end the war have stalled, with Iran submitting a new proposal offering to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade, and proposing that nuclear negotiations be deferred to the next stage.
Trump rejected Iran’s proposal and insisted that the naval blockade remains in place until a nuclear agreement is reached.