Washington, March 16 (SANA) – The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly working to form a multinational military coalition aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to media reports.
The initiative, which could be announced later this week, is intended to restore safe navigation through the strategic waterway, a key corridor for global oil transport, the news website Axios reported citing informed sources.
U.S. officials also said Washington is examining contingency plans related to Iranian oil infrastructure, including the possibility of targeting or taking control of facilities on Kharg Island, a strategic export hub in the Gulf.
Kharg Island, though only about 22 square kilometers in area, is considered vital to Iran’s energy sector, handling roughly 90% of the country’s crude oil exports through major storage terminals and tanker-loading facilities.
The reported discussions come as tensions remain high amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which began on February 28, and has raised concerns about the security of maritime routes and global energy supplies.
Before the outbreak of hostilities, Iran had reportedly increased oil loading operations at Kharg Island. Tanker shipments have continued since the conflict began, a move analysts believe may be aimed at accelerating crude exports before any potential disruption to facilities or shipping routes.
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