Donald Trump is expected to announce a multinational coalition aimed at escorting commercial vessels through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to a report.
The move comes as the U.S. president increases pressure on allied nations, including United Kingdom, to help safeguard shipping routes after threats from Iran disrupted traffic in the narrow waterway and raised concerns about a worsening global economic crisis.
Discussions among participating countries are still ongoing about whether operations would begin during the conflict or after hostilities end.
Trump is expected to formally unveil the coalition later this week, the The Wall Street Journal reported.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said his administration had already approached seven countries about joining efforts to secure the strait.
He argued that nations relying on the route should take responsibility for protecting it, though he did not identify the governments involved.
Trump had previously urged support from countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to help keep the route open.
However, some allies have been cautious about committing military forces to the Middle East due to fears of escalating tensions with Iran, which has reportedly placed naval mines in the strait and warned of retaliation.
In a joint statement released Sunday, the United Kingdom and member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz and affirmed their right to take necessary steps to defend their security and stability.
Despite the statement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer ruled out deploying warships after holding talks with Trump about the need to restore shipping through the strait.
Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the government was examining possible ways to help resume maritime traffic but stopped short of announcing a specific plan.
The tensions have pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, unsettling global markets and raising concerns in Washington about rising fuel costs.
Prices climbed further after the United States struck an Iranian production facility on Kharg Island over the weekend, while Trump hinted that another strike could follow.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration hopes to bring prices down within weeks, though he warned that outcomes remain uncertain during wartime.
Several countries have expressed reservations about joining the proposed coalition. France rejected the request, with Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin saying the country would maintain a defensive posture and would not be drawn into the conflict.
Similarly, Germany raised doubts about expanding the EU’s naval mission, Operation Aspides, currently tasked with countering attacks near Red Sea shipping lanes.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he was sceptical that extending the mission to the Strait of Hormuz would improve security.Foreign ministers from the European Union are expected to discuss the proposal during a meeting on Monday.The White House declined to comment on reports of the planned coalition.
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