U.S. asks for help with opening Strait of Hormuz while Trump attacks allies
The U.S. State Department is seeking to form a new coalition called the 'Maritime Freedom Construct' to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked since late February. Despite President Trump's earlier claims that the U.S. would act alone, the administration is now pushing allies to join a coordinated effort to ensure safe transit and respond to Iran. The move comes amid rising global energy prices, stalled diplomacy, and increasing tensions between the U.S. and its NATO allies.
- ▪The State Department drafted a memo proposing the 'Maritime Freedom Construct' to coordinate maritime security and diplomatic actions with allies.
- ▪Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. and Israel began a bombing campaign on February 28, 2026.
- ▪President Trump has criticized NATO allies, threatened to withdraw U.S. troops from Germany, Italy, and Spain, and blamed them for lacking support.
- ▪A temporary ceasefire began on April 8 to allow negotiations, but no progress has been made in reopening the strait.
- ▪The U.S. has blockaded Iranian ports and stopped at least 41 vessels as part of its response.
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National SecurityU.S. asks for help with opening Strait of Hormuz while Trump attacks alliesAccording to an internal memo seen by NBC News, the State Department is seeking to create a new coalition called the “Maritime Freedom Construct.” Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Boats in the Strait of Hormuz off Qeshm Island, Iran, on Tuesday.Getty Images / Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 1, 2026, 12:41 PM EDTBy Abigail WilliamsAfter President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. needed no assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the administration has launched a new effort to get allies to help move ships through the critical passageway blocked by Iran.
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