A cargo ship sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz [AP=Yonhap News]

The Donald Trump administration plans to announce this week that several countries have agreed to form a coalition to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 15th (local time).

U.S. administration officials, discussing these plans, stated that discussions are still underway regarding whether the escort operations would be conducted after a cessation of hostilities or even before that.

President Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social the previous day, "Many countries, especially those affected by Iran's attempts to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, will send warships to keep the strait open and safe," mentioning South Korea, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and France as five such countries.

The countries mentioned by Trump are currently avoiding giving a definitive answer.

The Blue House stated, "We will make a decision through close communication and careful review between South Korea and the United States."

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs told NHK, "Japan decides its own response, and independent judgment is the basic principle." A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. told CNN only that China is calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and did not directly respond to President Trump's request.

The United Kingdom and France also have not provided clear answers.

However, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated in a joint statement with the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states on the same day, "We have the right to take all necessary measures to protect our national security and stability, and to protect our territory, citizens, and residents."

The WSJ added that the White House refused to comment on the plans to announce the formation of the Hormuz escort coalition.