UAE Seeks UN Force to Reopen Blockaded Strait of Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates is lobbying the United Nations Security Council for a resolution to authorize a multinational military coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force. Following a February 28 joint U.S.-Israeli offensive that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Government of Iran throttled the waterway, causing vessel movements to decline by approximately 90%. In response, the UAE has offered to deploy its navy for mine-clearing and escort operations, while suggesting the U.S. occupy strategic islands such as Abu Musa.

This strategic shift follows intense Iranian aggression, with the UAE reporting nearly 2,500 missile and drone strikes that disrupted tourism and caused an estimated $120 billion in stock market losses. While Bahrain is sponsoring the UN resolution, other Gulf states remain divided. The United Kingdom has offered diplomatic leadership but stated it will not join the war against Iran. Meanwhile, the U.S. has already executed a "layered" counter-strike using bunker-buster bombs and autonomous boats to dismantle Iranian missile stockpiles and naval vessels.

Recent developments show a fluctuating Emirati position. After officials like Lana Nusseibeh stated the UAE would "double down" on its U.S. partnership, the government later denied reports that it was joining a U.S.-led war plan, asserting a "defensive posture." However, Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar recently reaffirmed readiness for collective measures to secure the waterway, citing international law. President Donald Trump has maintained that the full reopening of the strait is non-negotiable for a ceasefire, though he indicated the U.S. might reduce its involvement within a few weeks.