UAE pushes multinational force to reopen Strait of Hormuz amid Iranian blockade

Bahrain is the only Gulf country currently backing the plan alongside the UAE, which has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian attacks, including strikes on an Emirati port used for oil exports.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The United Arab Emirates has signaled to the US and other Western allies that it is prepared to join a multinational naval effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran’s actions continue to disrupt one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, the Financial Times reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

According to those sources, Abu Dhabi is actively promoting the creation of a “Hormuz Security Force” that would protect commercial vessels and counter Iranian attacks in the strait.

Two of the people said the UAE would contribute its own navy to the mission.

Iran has effectively shut down the waterway, which carries about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas, slowing maritime traffic and driving concerns over energy prices and supply chains. Gulf officials are concerned Tehran could continue to control access to the strait even after the war concludes.

One person involved in the discussions said the aim is to assemble the widest possible international coalition. The person added that the effort is not intended as a war with Iran, but a response to what they described as Iran’s actions against the global economy.

Senior Emirati minister Sultan al-Jaber, who raised the issue with US Vice President JD Vance in Washington this week, said: “Iran holds Hormuz hostage, every nation pays the ransom, at the gas pump, at the grocery store, at the pharmacy.”

The UAE, working alongside Bahrain, is also seeking a UN Security Council resolution to authorize such a force.

Diplomats said Russia and China could oppose the measure, even as negotiations continue over proposals to secure commercial shipping.

A Bahraini draft would allow the use of “all necessary means” to protect vessels in and around the strait.

France said it has engaged with about 35 countries to explore options for a mission, though it indicated any deployment would follow the end of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Several US allies have so far declined to commit naval support, pushing back on a request by President Donald Trump.

Bahrain is the only Gulf country currently backing the plan alongside the UAE, which has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian attacks, including strikes on an Emirati port used for oil exports.