“A Strategic Shift”: UAE Prepares to Force Reopen the Strait of Hormuz
ABU DHABI — In a major geopolitical pivot reported on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing to support the United States and other international allies in a military operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force. The report, first published by the Wall Street Journal, indicates that the Gulf nation is now lobbying for a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution to authorize a multinational mission to restore freedom of navigation in the world’s most critical energy chokepoint.
The UAE’s move marks the first time a Gulf state has signaled a willingness to take a direct combat role in the month-long conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
Lobbying for a Global Coalition
According to Arab officials cited by the WSJ, Emirati diplomats have been aggressively urging allies across Europe and Asia to join a specialized coalition.
- UN Authorization: The UAE is reportedly pushing for a UNSC mandate that would provide the legal framework for “kinetic action” to break the Iranian blockade.
- Military Contributions: Beyond diplomatic support, the UAE is reviewing specific military roles, including mine-clearing operations, escorting commercial tankers, and securing strategic positions along the waterway’s coastlines.
- The “Consensus” Stance: In a statement that did not deny the reports, the UAE Foreign Ministry noted there is a “broad global consensus that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be preserved,” pointing to the massive economic toll the closure has taken on regional oil and gas exporters.
The “Hormuz Dilemma” and Trump’s Withdrawal
The UAE’s sudden push for military force arrives just as President Donald Trump signaled a potential American “winding down” of the conflict.
- The Trump Ultimatum: On Wednesday, President Trump stated that the U.S. might conclude its operations within 2-3 weeks—even if the Strait remains closed. He suggested that allies should either “buy oil from the U.S.” or take the lead in reopening the waterway themselves.
- Economic Pressure: The Strait of Hormuz supplies roughly 20% of global oil consumption. Its closure has driven WTI Crude to record monthly gains in March and pushed U.S. gas prices over $4 per gallon.
- The “8:00 PM” Warning: The UAE’s move also coincides with the IRGC’s April 1 deadline, which warns of the “destruction of relevant units” belonging to U.S. tech and infrastructure firms if the “targeted assassinations” of Iranian leaders continue.
| Key Coalition Data | Status (April 1, 2026) |
| Lead Nation (Proposed) | United Arab Emirates (with U.S. support) |
| Primary Objective | Reopen Strait of Hormuz / Mine-clearing |
| Legal Path | Seeking UN Security Council Resolution |
| Allies Targeted | USA, European powers, Asian energy consumers |
| Regional Status | UAE has barred Iranians from entering/transiting |
Analysis: From Neutrality to Escalation
The UAE’s willingness to use force represents a significant departure from its earlier “de-escalation” stance. For Abu Dhabi, the blockade of the Strait is no longer just a security concern but an existential economic threat. By leading a UN-backed coalition, the UAE seeks to internationalize the crisis, shifting the burden from a “U.S.-Iran war” to a global “freedom of navigation” mission.
However, the risk of a wider regional war is now at its peak. With Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi stating that “the trust level is zero” and the Houthis launching missiles toward Israel, any attempt to forcefully clear the mines in the Strait could serve as the “ground mistake” that triggers the very total war Araghchi claims Iran is “waiting for.”