UAE ready to help US forcibly open Strait of Hormuz

Moscow (ANTARA) - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is ready to help the United States and its allies to forcibly open the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Citing several Arab officials, the US newspaper reported that the UAE is lobbying the UN Security Council to pass a resolution permitting such action.

It was stated that the UAE is also requesting the US as well as European and Asian countries to form a coalition to open the strait by force.

The UAE is considering its military involvement in securing the strait and mine-clearing operations, the WSJ report said.

It was also mentioned that the UAE believes the US needs to occupy islands controlled by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, including Abu Musa Island.

At the end of February, the US and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, including the capital Tehran, causing damage and killing civilians.

Iran retaliated by attacking Israel and US military facilities in the Middle East.

This escalation has led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas to global markets.

That situation has also affected oil exports and production in the Middle East, triggering price increases.