The Donald Trump administration is preparing to announce that several countries have agreed to form a coalition to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report citing officials from the United States. The announcement could come as early as this week, though discussions are still underway about whether escort operations would begin before or after current hostilities end. The White House declined to comment on the report.

Many governments have publicly remained cautious about joining such a mission until fighting subsides, citing the risks involved. Since the conflict began, Iran has severely restricted traffic through the strategic waterway by declaring it closed, threatening commercial ships, and deploying fast boats, drones, missiles, and naval mines, raising concerns about the security of global shipping routes.