What is the 22-nation Hormuz coalition?

The Hormuz coalition is a multinational naval alliance formed in March 2026 comprising twenty-two nations including the UAE, Australia, United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, and India. The coalition was established to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz which Iran has effectively blocked through military threats, a two million dollar per-ship transit fee, and physical attacks on tanker vessels since late February 2026. The coalition aims to provide military escort operations to ensure freedom of navigation.

Why did NATO get involved in the Strait of Hormuz?

NATO became involved in the Strait of Hormuz crisis because the waterway is essential to global energy security with approximately twenty percent of the world's oil supply passing through it daily. Iran's blockade actions including attacks on tankers, imposition of unauthorized transit fees, and military threats have disrupted global shipping and sent oil prices soaring above one hundred twelve dollars per barrel. NATO views the blockade as a threat to international maritime law and freedom of navigation.

How many ships are currently stranded near the Strait of Hormuz?

More than one hundred fifty commercial vessels remain stranded in the waters near the Strait of Hormuz as of late March 2026. Tanker traffic through the strait has declined by approximately eighty percent since Iran intensified its blockade in late February. At least five tankers have been damaged in the conflict zone. The stranded ships carry various cargo including crude oil, liquefied natural gas, and general commercial goods valued at billions of dollars collectively.

What is Iran's $2 million per-ship transit fee?

Iran began levying an unauthorized fee of approximately two million US dollars on commercial ships seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026. This unprecedented toll represents Iran's attempt to weaponize control of the strategic chokepoint as leverage in its broader conflict with the United States and Israel. The fee has no basis in international maritime law and has been rejected by the coalition nations as illegal extortion that violates the principles of freedom of navigation.

How does the Hormuz crisis affect Vietnam's energy imports?

The Hormuz crisis directly impacts Vietnam's energy security as the country relies on imported crude oil and refined petroleum products for a significant portion of its energy needs. The disruption of tanker traffic through Hormuz has contributed to Brent crude prices exceeding one hundred twelve dollars per barrel, driving up Vietnam's import costs and putting upward pressure on domestic fuel prices. If the coalition fails to reopen the strait, Vietnamese consumers could see gasoline prices exceed thirty thousand dong per liter at the pump.

Geopolitics

22-Nation Coalition Formed to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

The UAE, Australia, and 20 other nations join a NATO-led coalition to restore freedom of navigation through the world’s most critical oil shipping lane, as Iran imposes a $2M per-ship transit fee.

Published: March 23, 2026

22-nation maritime coalition at the Strait of Hormuz

Photo: Reuters — International maritime coalition at the Strait of Hormuz

Strait of Hormuz Status

Tanker Traffic

Near Zero

Since late February 2026

Iran Transit Fee

$2M

Per ship passage

Global Oil Through Strait

20%

Of daily global oil supply

Days Blocked

~25

As of March 23, 2026

Background & Context

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, serves as the transit point for approximately 20% of the world's daily crude oil production. Since late February 2026, Iran has deployed naval forces and imposed a $2 million per-ship transit fee, bringing tanker traffic to near-zero.

In response, NATO called on allies and global partners to form a multinational maritime coalition. As of March 23, 22 nations have confirmed their participation, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, India, the UAE, and Australia.

The coalition plans to launch military escort operations for oil tankers transiting the strait, directly challenging Iran's sovereignty claims and asserting freedom of navigation rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

22 Coalition Member Nations

United States

United Kingdom

France

Australia

Japan

South Korea

India

United Arab Emirates

Saudi Arabia

Canada

Germany

Italy

Netherlands

Norway

Denmark

Bahrain

Singapore

New Zealand

Spain

Greece

Poland

Turkey

Photo: Reuters — Coalition warships patrolling the Strait of Hormuz

Timeline of Events

Late February 2026

Iran blockades the Strait of Hormuz

Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to near-zero as Iran deployed naval forces and imposed a $2 million per-ship transit fee. Major shipping companies suspended all operations through the area.

→ Vietnam imports roughly 70% of its crude oil needs; fuel prices could rise 2,000–3,000 VND/liter if the blockade persists.

Mid-March 2026

NATO calls for multinational coalition

NATO formally called on allies and global partners to join military escort operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE, Australia, and 20 other nations swiftly agreed to participate.

→ This is the largest maritime coalition since the 1991 Gulf War, signaling the severity of the crisis.

March 23, 2026

22 nations confirm coalition membership

The coalition officially comprises 22 nations including the US, UK, France, Japan, South Korea, India, UAE, and Australia. Military escort operations for oil tankers are expected to begin within days.

→ If the operation succeeds, oil prices could drop 10–15%, easing inflationary pressure for import-dependent nations like Vietnam.

Strategic Significance

The Strait of Hormuz is only about 33 km wide at its narrowest point, yet it serves as the transit route for approximately 20% of the world's daily crude oil supply. The formation of a 22-nation coalition underscores the severity of this crisis for global energy security.

For Vietnam, which imports a significant portion of its crude oil, a prolonged blockade could drive fuel prices higher and add inflationary pressure. International shipping costs are also affected as maritime routes must detour around Africa.

ZestLab analysis: This is the largest multinational maritime coalition since 1991, reflecting the global economy's dependence on this single shipping lane.

Photo: Reuters — Map of the Strait of Hormuz and oil shipping routes

Related Coverage

Strait of Hormuz Oil Crisis 2026 Hormuz Tanker Fee Crisis 2026 Oil Price Spike 2026

22-Nation Coalition Formed to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Strait of Hormuz Status

Background & Context

22 Coalition Member Nations

Timeline of Events

Strategic Significance

Related Coverage

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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