The United Arab Emirates is ready to support the United States and, if necessary, use force to reopen the maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources.
If the U.S. and its allies ultimately decide to launch a military operation in the strait, the UAE would become the first Persian Gulf country to take part in the war against Iran.
According to the newspaper’s sources, the UAE is pushing for a UN Security Council resolution that would authorize the use of force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Emirati diplomats have urged the U.S., as well as European and Asian countries, to form a coalition for these actions.
WSJ sources also said that the UAE insists the U.S. should establish control over islands in the Strait of Hormuz, including Abu Musa Island. It is currently administered by Iran, but the Emirates also claim it.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea corridor through which about a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade and one-fifth of liquefied natural gas supplies pass. After the start of the war by Israel and the U.S. against Iran, shipping through it nearly came to a halt because of attacks by the Islamic Republic. On March 31, Iran announced the introduction of a fee for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.