The UAE is urging the US and allied nations to form a coalition, potentially backed by a UN resolution, to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions with Iran.
Abu Dhabi is reviewing possible military involvement and has suggested the US consider occupying disputed islands near the strategic waterway.
Despite signals of potential de-escalation from Washington, markets remain volatile as uncertainty persists over energy supplies and geopolitical risks.
UAE Pushes Coalition to Force Open Hormuz as War Risks Escalate
The UAE is lobbying for a UN-backed coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force, while mixed signals from Washington keep markets on edge
Summary
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The United Arab Emirates is gearing up to help the US and its allies force open the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing Arab officials. The move would make the UAE the first country in the Arab Peninsula to become a combatant since the beginning of the war, the report said.
“Emirati diplomats have urged the US and military powers in Europe and Asia to form a coalition to open the strait by force,” a UAE official said, adding that the Iranian regime believes it is fighting for its survival and is willing to bring the global economy down with it by choking access through the strategic waterway.
The Arab nation is lobbying for a United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorise such action, the report added. It said the UAE is actively reviewing how it could play a military role in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
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The country has also reportedly told the US it should consider occupying islands along the coastline near the strait, including Abu Musa, which has been held by Iran for more than half a century but is claimed by the UAE.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has hinted at possible de-escalation of the ongoing conflict even if the Strait of Hormuz remains shut. Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier on Tuesday suggested that an end to the Iran conflict could be near, with Washington signalling the potential for direct talks with Tehran, the report said. It added that the US may be prepared to wind down the conflict even without a formal deal.
“We’ll be leaving very soon,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, saying the exit could take place “within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three.”
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However, markets and participants globally remain braced for continued volatility in the near term even if peace is restored. Many analysts are also cautious about reading too much into Trump’s remarks, which could shift sentiment, as Washington had earlier threatened to intensify operations if Tehran did not accept a 15-point US ceasefire framework. The proposal called on Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons, halt all uranium enrichment, and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.