The United States has initiated the formation of an international naval alliance called the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC) to restore navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked since February 28 following the outbreak of conflict between Iran and the Israel-US coalition. According to US media reports, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved the proposal, which will be jointly coordinated by the State Department and the Pentagon. The alliance aims to facilitate intelligence sharing, coordinate diplomatic efforts, and enforce navigation restrictions among member states.
The blockade has halted the daily supply of about 15 million barrels of crude and refined oil to global markets, leaving hundreds of ships stranded on both sides of the strait. Iran is reportedly tightening its control over the waterway and has begun charging transit fees of up to two million dollars per vessel.
Uncertainty remains over which countries will join the alliance, as tensions between the United States and key allies, including NATO and the European Union, have intensified due to the ongoing Iran-Israel war.