U.S. seeks new coalition to free up ships in Hormuz, internal cable says
The U.S. is forming an international coalition called the Maritime Freedom Construct to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a State Department cable. The initiative involves both diplomatic efforts by the State Department and military coordination by the Pentagon through CENTCOM. Canada supports the goal of open access under international law and is considering ways to contribute to maritime security without escalating tensions.
- ▪The Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC) is a joint initiative by the U.S. State Department and Pentagon to ensure maritime security in the Middle East.
- ▪The MFC aims to protect energy security, critical infrastructure, and navigational rights in vital sea lanes like the Strait of Hormuz.
- ▪U.S. embassies were instructed to deliver the proposal orally to partner nations by May 1, excluding adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran.
- ▪Participation in the MFC can include diplomacy, information sharing, sanctions enforcement, or naval presence, without requiring reallocation of existing resources.
- ▪Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has drastically declined since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28 and Iran subsequently blockaded the waterway.
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Open this photo in gallery:Tankers and bulk carriers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on April 18.Asghar Besharati/The Associated PressShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountU.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is seeking the participation of other countries to form an international coalition to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a State Department cable seen by Reuters.U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved the creation of the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC), the cable dated April 28 said, which it described as a joint initiative by the State Department and the Pentagon.“The MFC constitutes a critical first step in the establishment of a post-conflict maritime security architecture for the Middle…
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