The “Maritime Freedom Construct” (MFC) will “take steps to ensure safe passage, including providing real-time information, safety guidance, and coordination to ensure vessels can transit these waters securely,” a state department official told AFP.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, was responding to questions about a reported diplomatic cable calling on US embassies to press foreign governments to join such an effort.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the MFC will be a joint effort between the state department and US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military forces in the Middle East, according to the cable.
“The State-led component, based in Washington, DC, will serve as the diplomatic operations hub, uniting partners and the commercial shipping industry,” the official told AFP.
Iran responded to the US-Israeli attacks which began on Feb 28 by threatening ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, bringing traffic to an effective halt in the narrow waterway and sending global fuel prices skyrocketing.
Despite a ceasefire between the US and Iran, shipping through the strait has continued to be effectively halted with no immediate let up in sight.
Efforts to end the war have stalled, with the Iranian side reportedly proposing this week to ease its chokehold on the strait in exchange for Washington lifting its retaliatory blockade while broader negotiations continue.
President Donald Trump has lashed out at allies since launching the war over their reluctance to get involved in the war on Iran, while urging at various times for oil-reliant nations to take responsibility for opening the Strait of Hormuz.
The cable however insisted that collective action was “essential to demonstrate unified resolve and impose meaningful costs on Iranian obstruction of transit through the Strait,” according to the Journal.
“Your participation will strengthen our collective ability to restore freedom of navigation and protect the global economy,” the cable reportedly said, describing the MCF as a “US-led” initiative.
The UK and France have led talks on a separate maritime effort, recently holding a meeting with over 50 countries on the issue.