US to announce coalition to escort ships through Strait of Hormuz

MOSCOW — The Trump administration plans to announce the formation of a multinational coalition to escort ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz this week, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal citing several US officials.

According to sources, officials are still discussing when the operation will commence: before or after hostilities in the region conclude.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright previously stated that the US military could begin escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as early as late March, whilst noting that the US Navy currently lacks this capability.

As conflict in the region surrounding Iran has intensified, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a primary route for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf to global markets, has effectively ground to a halt.

Meanwhile, insurance companies have begun raising premiums and reviewing coverage scope amid mounting security threats to transit.