The report added that the UAE is urging multiple nations to form a “Hormuz Security Force” to protect the strait from potential Iranian threats and ensure safe passage for ships.
The United Arab Emirates has informed the U.S. and other Western allies that it will participate in a multinational maritime task force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The report states that the UAE is lobbying dozens of nations to establish a “Hormuz Security Force” to defend the strait against Iranian attacks and to escort shipping traffic.
The UAE has faced more Iranian attacks than any other country in the region, including Israel.
Several U.S. allies have stated that they currently have no plans to dispatch vessels to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, effectively rebuffing President Trump’s request for military support to keep this vital waterway open.
France announced on Thursday that it has engaged in discussions with approximately 35 nations to identify partners and proposals for a mission to reopen the strait; however, such an initiative would only proceed once the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran has concluded.
Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz—a conduit for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas—driving up energy prices and fueling fears of global inflation.
The report further notes that the UAE, in conjunction with Bahrain, is working on a UN Security Council resolution to provide a mandate for any future task force; however, Russia and China may oppose this move.
Reuters reported earlier this week that members of the UN Security Council have commenced negotiations on proposals to safeguard commercial shipping within and around the Strait of Hormuz, including a draft resolution submitted by Bahrain that would authorize the use of “all necessary means.”
Last week, a senior Emirati official stated that the UAE might join U.S. efforts to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, following Iran’s near-closure of the waterway to its own vessels.
This waterway is vital to the economy of the UAE, a major oil exporter and trade hub. Iran has repeatedly attacked Emirati ports located outside the Gulf, which are utilized for oil exports.
Reuters was unable to immediately verify the report.