US Plans Multinational Escort Mission to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Conflict

ISTANBUL/WASHINGTON — The administration of US President Donald Trump is poised to announce as early as this week the formation of a multinational coalition to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, following Iran's effective closure of the strategic waterway in the wake of escalating hostilities .

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal cited by Anadolu Ajansi, US officials have indicated that discussions are underway regarding whether the escort operations will commence before or after a cessation of hostilities in the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The White House has declined to comment on the potential announcement, noting that plans could shift based on developments on the battlefield .

President Trump confirmed his stance on Sunday, stating that he has "demanded" approximately seven countries heavily reliant on Middle East oil participate in a coalition to secure the key maritime passage. "I'm demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory, because it is their own territory," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One . He further warned that NATO members should contribute warships to help reopen the strait or face a "very bad" future for the alliance .

A High-Risk Military Endeavor

The proposed escort mission is fraught with danger. Military analysts warn that US Navy warships accompanying slow-moving commercial tankers through the narrow chokepoint would face a "layered threat" from Iranian forces, including sea mines, fast-attack craft, anti-ship missiles, and one-way attack drones . The Strait of Hormuz is less than 30 miles wide at its narrowest point, making vessels highly vulnerable .

The US military currently has significant assets in the region, including two aircraft carriers, but the escort mission would likely be carried out by smaller destroyers or frigates, possibly with air cover, guiding convoys of multiple tankers . This mission draws parallels to Operation Earnest Will during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, though experts note that the scale and sophistication of Iranian weaponry—particularly missiles and drones—are far greater today .

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright acknowledged the military is not yet ready to begin the escorts, stating that all current assets are focused on dismantling Iran's offensive capabilities. He projected that the Navy could be prepared to escort tankers through the strait by the end of March 2026 .

Iran's Defiant Stance

The IRGC has declared any vessel belonging to the United States, Israel, or their allies passing through the Strait of Hormuz a "legitimate target" . Reports indicate the IRGC is enforcing a strict "no-move" zone, with speedboats and drones targeting ships that attempt to transit . According to Iranian state media, vessels must obtain permission from Tehran to pass, and those that fail to comply risk being struck by drones or missiles .

Iran has effectively closed the strait since early March, following joint US-Israeli attacks that began on February 28. The conflict has reportedly resulted in nearly 1,300 casualties, including the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei . His successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has called for the continued closure of the waterway and pledged to open new fronts against US and Israeli interests .

Global Economic Fallout

The disruption has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with Brent crude prices climbing back above $100 per barrel . Approximately 20% of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and the blockade has raised urgent concerns about energy supplies and food costs due to rising fertilizer prices .

In response, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has ordered the largest release of government reserves in its history, and the US Department of Energy plans to offload 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve .

Reluctant Allies

Publicly, many nations have remained noncommittal about joining the escort mission due to the high risks involved. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has entered a state of unified high alert, as Iranian retaliatory strikes have reached all six member states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait . While the UAE has reported a high success rate in intercepting missiles and drones, the threat to regional infrastructure and financial institutions remains severe .

President Trump has asserted that "many countries, especially those who are affected by Iran's attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships," though he did not name specific participants .