Washington, DC – In a strategic move aimed at regaining control of the world’s most important waterway, a US State Department cable dated April 28, 2026, revealed that the Trump administration launched a major international initiative called “Maritime Freedom Building.”
The initiative aims to form a global coalition to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been experiencing unprecedented disruption to shipping as a result of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Rubio’s diplomacy and CENTCOM coordination
The cable, which was reviewed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, explained that the initiative represents a joint effort between the Departments of State and Defense.
The diplomatic component will serve as a coordination center between partner nations and the maritime transport sector. The operational aspect will be handled by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters in Florida. This will be achieved through real-time coordination of ship movements and direct communication with vessels to ensure their safe passage.
The US administration has set early May as the deadline for US embassies to present the initiative to partner countries, excluding US adversaries such as Russia, China, and Cuba from joining.
Hormuz: “A reversed navigational waterfall”
This move comes at a time when the Strait of Hormuz is facing a sharp decline in shipping traffic, described by observers as a “reverse waterfall.” According to Kpler data, the number of transiting vessels has dropped by more than 95%. On April 24, only five ships were recorded passing through in a 24-hour period, compared to normal rates of 60 to 100 ships per day.
This maritime paralysis stems from heightened caution among shipping companies following Iran’s announcement of seizing two vessels on April 22. The United States responded by intercepting suspicious ships.
Energy security and post-conflict
Through its “maritime freedom” initiative, Washington seeks to establish a post-conflict security architecture for the region and ensure global energy security.
While the cable indicated that the initiative is not directly related to the “maximum pressure campaign,” the reality on the ground suggests that the strait has become an arena of covert conflict where military threats intertwine with economic pressure. As a result, every transit now carries increased costs and risks for global supply chains.
