The United States is pressing ahead with plans for an international coalition to open the Strait of Hormuz, according to a State Department cable seen by Reuters, as oil prices surge on fears of lengthy disruptions to global fuel supplies.
The cable, dated April 28, 2026, outlines a diplomatic push to secure support from key allies, including the United Kingdom, France, and Japan, to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping through the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, handles about 20% of the world's oil supply.
Oil prices have risen sharply in recent weeks, with Brent crude trading above $90 per barrel on April 30, 2026, amid concerns over potential long-term disruptions. The US initiative aims to stabilize global energy markets by guaranteeing freedom of navigation.
No specific military action has been announced, but the coalition would likely involve naval escorts and diplomatic measures to de-escalate tensions with Iran, which has previously threatened to block the strait. The State Department declined to comment on the cable's contents.
