The United Arab Emirates has told allies that it would participate in a multinational maritime task force intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as it lobbies to form a coalition to ensure shipping is able to pass through the vital Gulf waterway.
The UAE told the US and other western states that it would take part, according to three people familiar with the situation, two of whom said Abu Dhabi would deploy its own navy. The move reflects its hardened stance towards Iran as it bears the brunt of Tehran’s retaliation to the US’s and Israel’s war.
“The focus is on creating as broad an international force as possible,” one of the people said. “It’s not about going to war with Iran. Iran went to war on the global economy and people need to stand up.”