Citing the Journal, the State Department on April 29 (local time) sent an internal cable to U.S. embassies directing them to persuade governments to join the new group. The plan is called the “Maritime Freedom Construct,” or MFC, and would combine intelligence sharing, diplomatic coordination and sanctions enforcement under U.S. leadership.
The initiative comes as disruptions in Hormuz persist. The Journal reported that Iran has laid mines and attacked oil tankers transiting the strait without its approval. The U.S. Navy, meanwhile, has maintained a blockade affecting ships broadly traveling to and from Iranian ports. Restoring passage has also emerged as a key issue in stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran.
The cable suggested the MFC could go beyond a diplomatic forum. U.S. diplomats were instructed to ask whether partner countries would be willing to participate not only as diplomatic partners but also as military partners. The Journal said the MFC “is not a military alliance.”
Under the proposed division of roles, the State Department would serve as the hub for diplomatic operations, while U.S. Central Command would handle real-time maritime awareness for commercial shipping and coordinate information sharing among participating militaries.
Trump has also made clear he intends to keep the blockade in place. The Journal reported he told aides on April 28 to prepare for a long-term blockade until Iran accepts U.S. nuclear demands. Speaking to reporters on April 30, Trump called the blockade “genius” and claimed it is “100% airtight.” He also said the United States could continue “war and the blockade” if Iran does not agree to give up nuclear weapons.
The push for a new coalition differs from Trump’s earlier approach of pressing allies, especially in Europe, to address the Hormuz issue. In late March, he publicly urged Europe to solve the problem on its own and made comments aimed at Britain and France suggesting they should go to the strait and deal with it directly. He also criticized NATO as a “paper tiger,” arguing it lacked sufficient support.
Europe has been preparing its own response. Britain and France held a meeting with more than 50 countries to discuss safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz after the war. While the Journal said U.S. officials have criticized Europe’s efforts as slow and bureaucratic, it reported the State Department cable also said the MFC could be complementary to existing maritime security plans led by Britain and France.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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