The Iran war is set to widen. Top officials told The Wall Street Journal that the United Arab Emirates is preparing to help the US and its allies secure the Strait of Hormuz by force. The move would make the UAE the first Gulf country to become an active participant in the conflict after bearing the brunt of Iranian attacks.
This comes as US President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to quickly wrap up the war against Iran, leaving reopening Hormuz for later. As Washington eyes a swift exit, some Gulf allies, with the UAE at the forefront, are urging the US to keep fighting.
According to the WSJ report, the UAE is lobbying for a United Nations Security Council resolution to authorise military action. Emirati diplomats have urged the US and military powers in Europe and Asia to form a coalition to forcibly reopen the strait, which is a lifeline for the desert nation's energy exports, shipping industry and food supplies.
A UAE official said the Iranian regime believes it is "fighting for its existence" and is willing to "bring the global economy down with it" by choking off the vital shipping lane. This, coupled with the repeated bombardment of their oil and gas facilities, have led Gulf states to the conclusion that Tehran's aggression can no longer stand.
The official added that the country is actively reviewing how it could play a military role in securing the waterway, including clearing sea mines and providing other support services.
One official told the Journal that the UAE’s push for military action is a "fundamental shift" in its strategic outlook. It has long maintained commercial ties with Iran, while also attempting to mediate between Washington and Tehran before the war.
Those diplomatic efforts included a visit to Abu Dhabi by Iran’s national security chief Ali Larijani, who was later killed in Israeli airstrikes.
Now, the UAE appears to be aligning with Trump’s push for allies to shoulder more of the military burden, particularly in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
Arab officials also said the UAE has suggested that the US should occupy key islands in the strait, including Abu Musa. The disputed island is claimed by the UAE but has been controlled by Iran for decades.
Iran has stepped up attacks on the Emirates in recent weeks. Officials said nearly 50 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones were launched on Tuesday alone.
Tehran has warned it would destroy the civilian infrastructure of any Gulf state supporting efforts to seize its territory, explicitly naming the UAE.
Iran has launched nearly 2,500 missiles and drones at the UAE so far -- more than against any other country, including Israel -- according to officials cited by the newspaper.
Despite the sustained attacks, the UAE and other Gulf states had long avoided being drawn directly into the conflict. Officials said that position is now changing.
Besides the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are increasingly turning against Iran’s leadership and want the war to continue until the regime is weakened or toppled, officials told WSJ. However, they have stopped short of committing their own militaries to the fight.
Bahrain, a close US ally in the region that hosts the Navy’s Fifth Fleet, is sponsoring the proposed UN resolution, with a vote expected on Thursday.
Abu Dhabi reportedly believes that Asian and European powers who are on the fence could join efforts to secure the waterway if backed by a UN Security Council mandate.
However, Russia and China, one of the few nations to condemn the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, could block such a resolution. Meanwhile, France is said to be advancing an alternative proposal.
Even if the measure fails, officials told the Journal, the UAE is ready to take part in the military effort.
Source: India Today