FT: UAE pushes for multinational task force to reopen Strait of Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates has informed Washington and several Western allies that it is prepared to join a proposed multinational maritime task force aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reports, citing people familiar with the matter.

According to the people, the UAE is advocating the formation of a broad international coalition to secure the strategic waterway, which is vital for global oil shipments and has become a flashpoint amid rising regional tensions. Sources said Abu Dhabi intends to deploy its own naval forces as part of the initiative.

A person familiar with the discussions told the newspaper that the primary objective is to assemble the widest possible coalition and that the effort is not intended to lead to war with Iran.

So far, Bahrain has publicly backed the proposal, while other countries are said to be taking a more cautious approach.

By Sabina Mammadli