The Trump administration has instructed its embassies worldwide to recruit countries into a new international alliance called the Maritime Freedom Coalition (MFC), aimed at restoring commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, weeks after the president declared the waterway “completely open” with no actual return of traffic.

The coalition would share intelligence among allies, coordinate diplomatic action and enforce sanctions against Iran. The State Department would act as the diplomatic hub, while Central Command (CENTCOM) provides real-time maritime tracking. “Your participation will strengthen our collective ability to restore freedom of navigation and protect the global economy,” reads the cable sent to embassies.

Trump defended the strategy to reporters: “The blockade is great, it’s been 100% foolproof.” He vowed to maintain it “unless they agree there will be no nuclear weapon.” Crude oil already trades above $100 a barrel since the war began

The initiative clashes with his March stance, when he demanded Europeans open the strait themselves: “Go to the strait and just take it, go get your own oil.” He called NATO “a paper tiger.” Berlin and other allies replied that Washington never consulted them before the war.