The United Arab Emirates has informed Washington and its Western partners of its readiness to take part in a multinational maritime task force aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report published Friday by the Financial Times, which cited sources familiar with the discussions.
The newspaper referenced three individuals with knowledge of the matter, two of whom indicated that Abu Dhabi is prepared to contribute naval forces to the proposed mission.
The report added that the UAE is actively encouraging dozens of nations to establish a “Hormuz Security Force” tasked with safeguarding the strategic waterway from Iranian attacks and ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping.
Tensions between the UAE and Iran have escalated significantly, with Abu Dhabi adopting a firmer stance amid what it describes as daily missile and drone strikes from Tehran.
The UAE’s Defense Ministry has labeled these incidents as “blatant Iranian aggression” during ongoing operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury.
According to the report, the UAE has endured more attacks attributed to Iran than any other country in the region, including Israel.
In recent diplomatic engagements, senior Emirati official Sultan al-Jaber raised concerns over the Strait of Hormuz during talks with US Vice President JD Vance in Washington earlier this week.
He warned that “Iran holds Hormuz hostage, every nation pays the ransom, at the gas pump, at the grocery store, at the pharmacy,” as quoted by the Financial Times.
Jaber currently serves as the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.
He also chairs the state-owned renewable energy firm Masdar and holds the positions of director-general and CEO at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
Despite US efforts to rally international backing, several allied nations have reportedly declined immediate participation in naval operations to secure the strait, pushing back against a request from President Donald Trump for military support to maintain access to the critical shipping route.
France confirmed on Thursday that it has initiated discussions with approximately 35 countries to explore potential contributions and proposals for a mission to reopen the strait.
However, Paris indicated such an effort would likely proceed only after the conclusion of ongoing US-Israeli military operations against Iran.
Iran’s actions have effectively obstructed the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passageway responsible for transporting roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
The disruption has contributed to rising energy prices and heightened concerns over global inflation.
Meanwhile, members of the United Nations Security Council have begun deliberations on possible resolutions to ensure the protection of commercial shipping in and around the strait.
Reuters reported earlier this week that a draft proposal from Bahrain includes provisions authorizing the use of “all necessary means” to secure maritime routes.
A senior Emirati official stated last week that the UAE is considering joining a US-led initiative to protect vessels navigating the strait, following Iran’s effective closure of the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains vital to the UAE’s economy, given its role as a leading oil exporter and major trade hub. The report also noted that Iran has repeatedly targeted an Emirati port outside the Gulf that is used for oil exports.
