REPORT: U.S. Ally Pushes For Army Alliance To Open Hormuz Strait
The United Arab Emirates has signaled a willingness to participate in military operations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
According to the report, which cites senior Emirati officials who spoke with the outlet on the condition of anonymity, the UAE is preparing to assist the United States and other allies in opening the strait by force if necessary. If confirmed, the nation would become the first Gulf State to signal openness to military action in order to free the vital shipping lane from Iranian blockades.
Emirati diplomats have urged the U.S., European countries, and Asian partners to form a coalition for this purpose and are lobbying for a United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing such action, The Journal reported.
The UAE has reviewed its military capabilities to support these efforts, including options for mine clearance and logistical support from its bases and the deep-water port at Jebel Ali. Its air force, equipped with U.S.-supplied F-16 jets, surveillance drones, and munitions, could contribute to operations, the unnamed officials said.
Officials have also proposed that the U.S. consider occupying Iranian-held islands such as Abu Musa, which the UAE claims. One Emirati official told the Journal that “the Iranian regime thinks it is fighting for its existence and is willing to bring the global economy down with it in a chokehold on the strait.”
According to additional reporting from JP, the UAE has advocated for the creation of a “Hormuz Security Force” involving dozens of countries to defend the strait against Iranian attacks and escort commercial shipping.
The reports come as the oil-rich nation has come under sustained attack from Iranian missiles and drones. Since the conflict erupted on February 28, Iran has targeted Emirati territory the most outside any regional nation with the exception of Israel.
Other Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, have expressed support for continued pressure on Iran but have not yet committed forces.
UPDATE: 🇦🇪 Oil loading operations at the Port of Fujairah have been suspended after a drone strike sparked a major fire at the UAE’s key oil hub. pic.twitter.com/Wa7gC8mxMc
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) March 16, 2026
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It serves as the primary maritime route for oil and natural gas flowing through the Gulf, which includes some of the world’s largest oil exporters.
Approximately 20 million barrels of oil and petroleum products transited the strait daily prior to the eruption of hostilities, accounting for roughly 20 percent of global seaborne oil trade, along with significant volumes of LNG.
Iran has effectively blockaded the narrow passage through the use of coastal anti-ship missiles, mines, drones and small boat attacks since the conflict began, which has caused flows through the strait to plunge upwards of 90 percent.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the United States does not require assistance from allies to secure the strait and has emphasized that other nations benefiting from the waterway should take primary responsibility. He has described the situation as one where allies, particularly in Europe and Asia, should act independently.
“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” the president wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday.
“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
The reports come less than 24 hours ahead of Trump’s announced Oval Office address, in which he is expected to address the conflict.
The Trending Politics News app is your home for breaking updates. Download it FREE today!