The Trump administration is preparing to announce that a group of countries has agreed to participate in a naval coalition aimed at protecting commercial vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping corridor increasingly threatened by Iranian activity, according to a report published Sunday by The Wall Street Journal.
According to the report, the formal announcement could come later this week. However, officials are still discussing whether the escort operations would begin immediately or be delayed until the current hostilities in the region ease.
Several countries have publicly signaled caution about committing naval forces to such a mission while tensions remain elevated, expressing concern about the dangers of operating in waters that could quickly become an active combat zone.
The development follows remarks made Saturday by President Donald Trump, who said that multiple nations are expected to join the United States in deploying warships to safeguard the strategic maritime route.
“Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated,” Trump wrote.
The Strait of Hormuz, which lies between Iran and Oman, serves as one of the world’s most vital maritime energy passages. Approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply moves through the narrow channel each day, making any disruption a serious concern for global energy markets.
In recent days, Iranian forces and allied groups have taken steps that could interfere with shipping in the region. These actions have reportedly included harassing commercial vessels, deploying naval patrol craft, and issuing threats to plant sea mines or attack oil tankers.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has historically relied on fast attack boats, drones, and anti-ship missiles positioned along Iran’s coastline to challenge vessels moving through the strait.
U.S. officials have warned that these tactics could enable Iran to temporarily hinder or slow the movement of oil shipments and other cargo passing through the strategic waterway.
The proposed multinational force would seek to counter those threats by escorting commercial ships as they transit the strait.
Trump also indicated that the United States is prepared to continue using military force if necessary to ensure that the critical route remains open.
“In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water,” Trump wrote. “One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!”
{Matzav.com}