WASHINGTON: The United States is working to build a new international coalition aimed at restoring safe maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to an internal State Department cable reported by Reuters.
Under the initiative, approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Washington plans to establish a framework called the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC). This joint effort between the State Department and the Pentagon is designed to secure shipping routes, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure long-term energy stability in the region. The proposed coalition would bring together partner countries to contribute in various ways, including diplomacy, intelligence sharing, sanctions enforcement, and naval support. However, the U.S. has excluded rivals such as Russia, China, Belarus, and Cuba from participation.
According to the cable, the State Department will act as the diplomatic hub coordinating with allies and the shipping industry, while the Pentagon—operating through CENTCOM—will oversee real-time maritime operations and communication with vessels passing through the waterway. The move comes after traffic in the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply following the escalation of conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
Since late February, Tehran’s blockade has severely disrupted global energy flows through the strait, which typically handles around 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments. US President Donald Trump’s administration has framed the MFC as separate from its broader “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Instead, it is being positioned as a long-term security mechanism for post-conflict stability in Middle Eastern waters. The proposal follows stalled negotiations and increasing tensions, as Washington also intensifies efforts to curb Iran’s oil exports through maritime restrictions.
