US President Donald Trump’s administration could announce as early as this week that several countries have agreed to form a coalition to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz along Iran’s coast, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.

Citing US officials, the newspaper said discussions are ongoing about whether the escort operations would begin before or after hostilities end.

However, the White House declined to comment on the possible announcement, which could change depending on developments on the battlefield.

Publicly, many countries have remained noncommittal about joining such a mission until fighting stops because of the risks involved, the report added.