UAE urges EU to take more active role in securing Strait of Hormuz

A senior UAE diplomatic official has urged European countries to take faster action to help ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, rather than waiting for a formal US-Iran ceasefire agreement, Politico reports.

According to the outlet, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said European states, including the United Kingdom, have already pledged support for reopening the strategic waterway, but only after a comprehensive ceasefire is reached.

However, he called for a more “proactive” approach, saying Europe should act before the conflict ends and move from broad commitments to operational coordination.

Gargash told POLITICO on the sidelines of the GLOBSEC conference in Prague that European governments should shift from “broad concepts to operational coordination” to guarantee safe passage for commercial shipping. He said the Strait of Hormuz has faced significant disruption in recent months due to Iranian threats against commercial vessels.

He also argued that Europe has a direct interest in maintaining the free flow of energy and fertilisers through the waterway and should engage in collective maritime security efforts.

Gargash added that there is scope for broader cooperation between Europe and the Gulf region in areas such as trade, technology, and defence.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has indicated that a potential agreement with Tehran is close, but has cautioned negotiators against rushing into a deal. Key disagreements remain, particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme, which may be addressed in separate negotiations, according to US media reports.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov