As the conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing to help the US and its allies open the Strait of Hormuz by force, the Wall Street Journal reported, quoting Arab officials. The move that would make it the first Persian Gulf country to become a combatant, after being hit by Iranian attacks.
According to the report, the UAE is lobbying for a United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorize such action.
The diplomats from the UAE have also urged the United States and military powers in Europe and Asia to form a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force, officials said.
According to reports, UAE officials believe that Iran views the conflict as existential and may be willing to disrupt the global economy by choking the vital maritime route.
‘Go get your oil, securing Strait of Hormuz is not for us’: Trump
This comes after US President Donald Trump sharply criticised American allies for not stepping up in support of the United States amid its ongoing military operations against Iran. Addressing reporters, he said nations reliant on the Strait of Hormuz should take responsibility for keeping it open, adding that the American military would likely wind down its attacks within two to three weeks.
He stated, “go get your own oil” and insisted that securing the strategic chokepoint is “not for us.” Trump made the comments shortly after signing an executive order aimed at restricting mail-in voting. “That’s not for us… That will be for France. That will be for whoever’s using the strait”.
US gas prices hit USD 4 a gallon
The Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has been effectively restricted, leading to a spike in energy prices and raising fears of global inflation.
The closure of the vital maritime route has already pushed average US gasoline prices beyond USD 4 per gallon. The situation intensified further after American forces struck the central Iranian city of Isfahan, producing a massive fireball, while Tehran targeted a fully loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker in the Persian Gulf.
The UAE has faced repeated Iranian attacks during the ongoing conflict, more than any other country in the region, including Israel.
Also Read: When will US-Iran conflict end? Trump says it is possible in two-three weeks as mission nears finish
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