WSJ: US seeks coalition to escort ships through Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump and his senior aides spent the weekend portraying Washington’s military operation against Iran as a major success, while urging other countries to join efforts to address a deepening energy crisis linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration could announce as early as this week that several countries have agreed to form a coalition to escort commercial vessels through the strategic waterway, which runs along Iran’s southern coast. US officials told the newspaper that discussions are ongoing about whether such escort operations would begin before or after the current war ends.

The White House declined to comment on the expected announcement, noting that plans could change depending on battlefield developments. Publicly, a number of governments have refrained from committing to a maritime escort mission while hostilities continue, citing security risks, including reports that Iran has placed mines in the strait.

The push to assemble a coalition comes as gasoline prices rise and questions emerge within the Republican Party over the administration’s long-term strategy. US military operations have reportedly struck more than 6,000 Iranian targets, including senior leadership figures. However, analysts note that broader challenges — including regional instability, disruption to global energy markets and domestic political pressures — remain unresolved.

In a joint statement issued on March 15, the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom and member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council said GCC countries “have the right to take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and protect territories, citizens and residents.”

By Sabina Mammadli