Washington Seeks to Lead Coalition for Maritime Security in the Strait of Hormuz
The Trump administration has instructed American ambassadors to persuade U.S. allies to join an international coalition tasked with securing the Strait of Hormuz, reported the Wall Street Journal on Thursday, April 30. This vital waterway for global trade has been blocked since the American-Israeli offensive against Iran.
Citing a telegram from the U.S. State Department, the newspaper revealed the existence of a project called the “Maritime Freedom Mechanism,” in which a coalition led by the United States would share information, coordinate diplomatic actions, and enforce sanctions.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s consumed oil passes, remains subject to both Iranian and American blockades.
A senior U.S. official stated on Wednesday that the White House is considering “continuing the current blockade for months if necessary”, as negotiations have reached a standstill.
“Protecting the Global Economy”
“Your participation will enhance our collective ability to restore navigation freedom and protect the global economy,” assured the telegram quoted by the journal, emphasizing the need for collective action to “impose significant costs on Iranian obstruction of passage through the strait”.
In late March, Donald Trump had urged his European allies to intervene before extensively criticizing their reluctance to send forces to the region.
“It is quite sad that
NATO
has turned its back on the Americans in the past six weeks, especially since it is the Americans who fund their defense,” the White House notably remarked.
Oil prices surged over $125 per barrel on Thursday, following the U.S. mention of a potential long-term blockade of Iranian ports.
