UAE backs military effort to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Abu Dhabi is lobbying for a United Nations Security Council resolution to authorize military action and is urging the formation of an international coalition involving the United States and partners in Europe and Asia to secure the waterway
The United Arab Emirates is preparing to support a US-led military effort aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route through which around 20% of global daily oil supply passes, according to the information provided.
Abu Dhabi is lobbying for a United Nations Security Council resolution to authorize military action and is urging the formation of an international coalition involving the United States and partners in Europe and Asia to secure the waterway, says TRT World.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said there is "broad global consensus that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be preserved," reflecting the country's position in support of efforts to restore safe passage through the corridor.
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For the first time, the UAE is also considering a direct military role, including possible participation in mine-clearing operations, the information said.
The push comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf following a series of developments affecting maritime security. On March 2, Iran announced restrictions on navigation and warned it would target vessels transiting without coordination. Iran has also advanced plans to impose a "toll" on ships using the strait.
Recent hostilities include an Iranian drone strike on a Kuwaiti oil tanker in Dubai and ongoing missile attacks across the region, according to the information provided.
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to what is described as the most significant supply shock since the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, with rising oil prices, higher shipping and insurance costs, and a steep decline in Asian stock markets since 2008.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside the tensions. China and Pakistan have pledged to mediate the crisis, while the US faces a range of international and domestic considerations.
Italy has denied US aircraft permission to use its bases. The White House said that the greenlight for a Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba is "not a policy change," according to the information.
Within the US, political figures are debating policy direction. Donald Trump said "US will leave Iran within 2-3 weeks," while Marco Rubio has suggested the US may need to reassess its ties with NATO following the conflict. Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, called to "deport Netanyahu's son from Miami to Iran front line". Benjamin Netanyahu has said "US-Iran deal will not stop Israeli invasion of Lebanon".
