UAE Prepares to Force Open Iran's "Lock" in the Strait of Hormuz, Deploys Troops
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly stated its readiness to the United States (US) and other Western allies to join a multinational maritime task force aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently under tense blockade.
A Financial Times report on Friday, 27 March 2026, indicated that this step comes amid rising tensions in the world’s most vital energy trade route.
According to the report, the UAE is now working to encourage dozens of countries to form the “Hormuz Security Force” to defend the strait from Iranian attacks. This force will escort passing ships to ensure the smooth flow of global logistics.
“The United Arab Emirates is trying to encourage dozens of countries to form the ‘Hormuz Security Force’ to defend the strait from Iranian attacks and escort shipping,” the Financial Times report stated, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The UAE’s decision is driven by the fact that the country has faced more attacks from Iran than any other in the region, including Israel. As is known, Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a route for about 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), triggering surges in energy prices and fears of worldwide inflation.
Although the UAE is showing an aggressive stance, some other US allies have stated they have no immediate plans to send ships to break the Hormuz blockade. This also rejects US President Donald Trump’s request for military support to keep the vital waterway open.
France responded on Thursday by stating that it has held talks with around 35 countries to seek partners and proposals for a mission to reopen the strait. However, France imposed a firm condition that the action would only proceed after the military conflict between the United States-Israel and Iran ends.
“France has held talks with around 35 countries seeking partners and proposals for a mission to reopen the strait, but only after the US-Israel war against Iran ends,” a French government representative stated.
In addition to military preparations, the UAE is reportedly pursuing a UN Security Council resolution alongside Bahrain to provide official mandate for the future task force. However, this diplomatic move is predicted to hit a dead end due to likely opposition from Russia and China.
UN Security Council members have reportedly begun negotiating a resolution to protect commercial shipping within and around the Strait of Hormuz. One draft from Bahrain even includes authorisation to use all necessary means to ensure the route’s security.
“UN Security Council members have begun negotiating a resolution to protect commercial shipping within and around the Strait of Hormuz, including the Bahrain draft that would allow the use of ‘all necessary means’,” Reuters reported earlier this week.
Last week, an unnamed senior UAE official stated that his country might join the US-led effort to protect shipping after Iran nearly closed the entire route to ships. This waterway is crucial for the UAE’s economy as a major oil exporter and global trade hub.
UAE concerns have peaked because Iran has repeatedly attacked their ports located outside the Gulf. Yet, these facilities are key points used to load the country’s crude oil exports.
“The United Arab Emirates may join the US-led effort to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran nearly closed the waterway to ships,” the senior UAE official concluded.