The UAE Pushes for the Formation of an International Working Group to Reopen the Hormuz Strait

BlockBeats News, March 27th, according to the Financial Times, the UAE has informed allies that it will participate in a multinational maritime special task force aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and is lobbying to form an alliance to ensure the vital waterway is navigable again.

According to three sources familiar with the matter, the UAE has informed the US and other Western countries of its participation, with two saying Abu Dhabi will deploy its navy. This move reflects the UAE's increasingly hardline position against Iran as it bears the brunt of Tehran's retaliation against the US.

Some Gulf states and the Trump administration are increasingly consensual: without naval escorts, there is no easy way to reopen the strait.

The UAE, reportedly possessing a relatively small but modern navy, is seeking to rally dozens of countries to form a "Hormuz Security Force" to defend the strait from Iranian attacks, escort shipping, and ease a blockade that could keep oil prices high and choke off the Gulf nations' supply chains. UAE Minister of State Sultan al-Jaber discussed the matter with US Vice President Pence in Washington this week, saying, "Iran is holding the Strait of Hormuz hostage, and every country is paying the price—in gas stations, in grocery stores, in pharmacies."

Two sources said, Bahrain is the only other Gulf country supporting the plan, and the UAE is seeking support from Saudi Arabia and other international partners.

Other Gulf countries are also angry at Iran's attacks on neighboring states, especially after they tried to convince Trump not to go to war and publicly stated they would not allow their territories to be used against the Islamic Republic. However, the Gulf states have not formed a unified response.

Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, are in a dilemma: they want Trump to hit Iran harder but also urge for war to end through negotiations. They are also concerned that the US may suddenly withdraw, leaving behind a wounded and more radical regime.