The US may be forming an alliance to open the Strait of Hormuz

Reuters today cited the content of a telegram dated April 28 from the US State Department that this news agency had access to, stating that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had approved the establishment of the Maritime Freedom Mechanism (MFC).. This is described as a joint initiative of the US State Department and the Pentagon.

“The MFC is a key first step to establish a post-conflict maritime security mechanism in the Middle East. This framework aims to ensure long-term energy security, protect critical maritime infrastructure, and maintain rights and freedom of movement on strategic sea routes,” the dispatch read.

The US Department of State will serve as a liaison between partner countries and the shipping industry. Central Command (CENTCOM), the agency in charge of US military operations in the Middle East, will coordinate real-time maritime traffic and communicate with ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the telegram, US embassies need to convey this message in the form of direct exchanges with the host country before May 1, but this does not apply to Washington’s “adversaries”.

A country can join an alliance in many forms, such as diplomatic efforts, information sharing, sanctions enforcement, naval presence or other support options. “The MFC is an initiative separate from President Donald Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign, as well as from the ongoing negotiations,” the cable said.

US officials have not commented on the information.

Before the Middle East war broke out on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz was the circulation artery for about 20% of the world’s crude oil and gas supply, along with 1/3 of raw materials for fertilizer production for the global agricultural industry.

Iran has virtually blockaded the strait, forcing commercial ships to ask for permission or pay fees to pass through and banning vehicles linked to the US, Israel, and other parties involved in the conflict.

The US Navy also enforced the blockade, warning that it would seize all cargo ships arriving or departing from Iranian ports, as well as vehicles that had paid fees to Tehran. This situation causes commercial ships to face a “double blockade” when operating in the area.

CENTCOM said on April 29 that the US military forced 42 commercial ships to turn around.

President Trump warned that the US blockade could last for many months, arguing that this measure is more effective than the campaign to attack Iran. Page Axios reported that CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper is expected to present to US leaders today about military measures that can be taken against Iran.