The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to most international shipping due to blockades by both the U.S. and Iran. Iran effectively closed the crucial waterway when war broke out on February 28. Because one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally transits the waterway, the closure has sent energy prices skyrocketing around the world.
Shipping data from Wednesday showed that at least six ships, a fraction of the usual traffic, have crossed the Strait in the past 24 hours, including a few Iran-linked vessels. Despite this limited activity, the U.S. and Iran remain deadlocked over coming to terms that would re-open the waterway.
To address the stalled traffic, the Trump administration is asking other countries to join a new international coalition to enable ships to navigate the Strait. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved the creation of the Maritime Freedom Construct, which is a joint initiative by the State Department and the Pentagon.