The United States is actively assembling a new international coalition to secure commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy.
This initiative is driven primarily by a profound threat to energy security. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has called the Hormuz closure the “greatest global energy security threat in history,” prompting an unprecedented release of 400 million barrels from emergency reserves. With oil prices consistently over $100 per barrel due to the disruption, the pressure to find a maritime security solution has become immense, as strategic reserves alone cannot solve a long-term logistical blockade.
The immediate trigger for this coalition-of-the-willing approach was a geopolitical stalemate. On April 7, a U.S.-backed UN Security Council resolution to protect shipping was vetoed by Russia and China. This diplomatic failure effectively closed the door on a UN-mandated mission, forcing Washington to pursue a more informal, ad-hoc alliance with its partners to address the crisis directly.
Furthermore, the operational risks and financial costs have escalated dramatically. Reports in late April confirmed increased Iranian sea mine deployments and threats from small attack boats. In response, insurance markets have sharply raised their war-risk premia, making transit through the region prohibitively expensive for many. This economic pressure makes state-backed convoys, which can offer security guarantees and mitigate insurance costs, a far more viable option for resuming traffic.
Finally, the political landscape among allies also adds a sense of urgency. The UK and European nations have been organizing parallel discussions on reopening the strait, with some plans even excluding U.S. participation. This dynamic creates an incentive for Washington to lead and shape the security framework now, ensuring a coordinated and effective response rather than a fragmented one.
- Strait of Hormuz: A narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes.
- LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas): Natural gas that has been cooled down to liquid form for ease and safety of non-pressurized storage or transport.
- War-risk premia: Additional insurance costs charged to cover vessels, cargo, and crew against damages or losses caused by acts of war, such as attacks, seizures, or mines.