UAE Joins Hormuz Security Force Push

The United Arab Emirates has informed the United States and other Western allies of its willingness to participate in a multinational maritime task force aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The United Arab Emirates is actively advocating for a 'Hormuz Security Force' to defend the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks and to escort shipping. Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas, leading to a surge in energy prices and concerns about global inflation. The United Arab Emirates has experienced numerous Iranian attacks, including on its ports used for oil exports. While the United States has requested military support to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, some allies, including France, are hesitant to commit until the United States-Israel war on Iran concludes. The International — United Nations Security Council members, with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, are negotiating resolutions to protect commercial shipping, though Russia and China may oppose such measures.