New Delhi, March 16 -- The Donald Trump administration is likely to announce that multiple countries have agreed to form a coalition to escort ships through the critical Strait of Hormuz, where trade remains effectively halted amid the conflict between US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other.

According to a report by Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration is expected to announce the formation of the coalition this week itself, with Washington and its potential coalition partners currently discussing the scope of operations and their start date.

Late on Sunday, Trump himself commented on these discussions as well, and weighed in on China joining the coalition.

"We're talking to countries about policing the straits, becaus...