US Seeks Global Alliance to Secure Hormuz Strait

The United States is actively pursuing the formation of an international coalition to facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as global crude oil prices surge due to ongoing disruptions. This initiative, detailed in a State Department cable, comes two months after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran initiated a conflict that has closed the vital shipping lane, impacting 20% of the world's oil and gas supplies.

The closure has driven benchmark Brent crude prices to over $126 per barrel, marking a significant increase since the conflict began on February 28. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to receive a briefing on potential new military strikes against Iran, aiming to influence nuclear negotiations. Concurrently, the U.S. has invited partner nations to join a new entity, the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC), intended to establish a post-conflict maritime security framework for the Middle East.

Efforts to mediate the conflict, particularly by Pakistan, are ongoing, with Iran and the U.S. exchanging proposals. Iran's latest offer prioritizes resolving the conflict and shipping issues before addressing its nuclear program, a stance that does not align with U.S. demands for immediate nuclear discussions. The conflict has incurred an estimated cost of $25 billion for the U.S. military, while Iran faces a record-low currency value and 65.8% inflation.