The administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly working to assemble an international coalition aimed at restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, as shipping through the critical waterway remains largely halted amid heightened tensions with Iran.
According to a report published Wednesday by The Wall Street Journal, the US State Department has circulated an internal cable to American embassies requesting diplomatic outreach to foreign governments.
The message calls for support for a proposed alliance named the “Maritime Freedom Construct,” which would coordinate intelligence sharing, diplomatic pressure, and sanctions enforcement in an effort to reopen the passage.
“Your participation will strengthen our collective ability to restore freedom of navigation and protect the global economy,” the cable reportedly says.
A senior US administration official was cited as confirming that the proposal forms part of a wider set of diplomatic tools available to the White House as it manages the ongoing crisis.
The initiative follows Trump’s recent assertion that the Strait was “COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS,” despite continued disruptions to shipping activity. Vessel movement through the waterway has remained significantly limited, with reports indicating ongoing threats to tankers.
Iran has allegedly attempted to deploy naval mines and target commercial vessels passing through the Strait without Tehran’s approval, while the United States has maintained restrictions on ships linked to Iranian ports.
The status of the waterway has emerged as a major obstacle in stalled negotiations between the two sides. Reports also indicate that Trump recently instructed advisers to prepare for a prolonged closure of the Strait unless Iran agrees to abandon its nuclear programme.
