Washington is pushing for a new international naval coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil artery, as oil prices soar past $100 a barrel. United States President Donald Trump is working to assemble a multinational force to escort ships through the waterway. He hopes to announce this "Hormuz coalition" later this week.The initiative comes after Iran largely restricted tanker traffic in retaliation for ongoing US-Israeli strikes, causing significant disruptions to global energy flows.[iranintl+2]
Hormuz Crisis Deepens Amid Iran War
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint, handles about one-fifth of the world's daily oil shipments.This vital passage has become an active conflict zone since a US-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28, 2026.Iran has effectively closed the strait to vessels not allied with Tehran, hitting more than a dozen commercial ships in two weeks.Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated the strait remains open, but only to ships not belonging to the US and its allies.This disruption has sent Brent crude oil prices above $106 a barrel, marking the largest energy supply disruption in history.[aljazeera+10]
President Trump claims the US has "100% destroyed" Iran's military capability.However, he conceded that Iran could still use drones or mines to threaten shipping.Military analysts warn that securing the strait would be costly and risky due to potential Iranian attacks.US officials are also considering seizing Iran's key oil export terminal on Kharg Island if the blockade continues.[aljazeera+6]
Allies Show Muted Response to US Appeal
President Trump has called on several nations, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, to send warships to help secure the strait.He stated that about seven countries heavily reliant on Middle East crude should protect their own interests.However, the appeal has met with a "muted response," with no public commitments from key allies so far.[aljazeera+5]
France has explicitly stated it will not join a war against Iran.Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said any maritime security operation would be "extremely difficult legally."Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed the country is not currently considering sending ships.Australia has also declined to send naval vessels.[aljazeera+7]
South Korea, which imports 70 percent of its oil from the Gulf, is "closely monitoring" the situation and "exploring various measures" to ensure safe energy transport.The United Kingdom is discussing options with allies to ensure shipping security and is considering sending mine-hunting drones.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed the importance of reopening the strait with President Trump.China, an ally of Iran and heavily dependent on Gulf oil, has said it will "strengthen communication with relevant parties" for de-escalation.[aljazeera+7]
Challenges and Escalation Risks
Analysts believe Trump's plan to secure the strait faces significant problems.The narrow geography of the waterway makes it vulnerable to asymmetric threats like mines and drones.Providing escorts would be expensive and could draw more countries into the ongoing conflict.The US Navy's recent decommissioning of its minesweepers without an effective replacement further complicates demining efforts.[aljazeera+4]
President Trump has warned that NATO faces a "very bad" future if allies do not assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.The US has already moved more than 2,000 Marines from Okinawa, Japan, to the Middle East.Should military forces begin escorting ships during ongoing hostilities, it would mark a dangerous new phase in the US-Israeli war on Iran.Iran has vowed to disrupt international trade to pressure the US.[theguardian+6]
The effective blockade has also led to a significant drop in traffic around Hormuz. Many ships are now rerouting around Africa, increasing costs and transit times.The global energy crisis continues to deepen as the conflict impacts vital shipping lanes.[chathamhouse]
