The UAE is preparing to join forces with the United States and other allies to secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This initiative arises amid concerns over potential escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Experts claim that if the UAE gets involved in the West Asia conflict, it would be the first Persian Gulf country to actively participate as a combatant against Iran. Currently, the UAE is already facing threats from Iranian attacks.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the Arab nation is demanding a United Nations Security Council resolution that could authorize combat attacks on Iran. The report also highlights that some Emirati officials explained, “The country's diplomats have asked the United States and military powers in Europe and Asia to form a coalition to open the Strait by force.”
Additionally, Bahrain, a close US ally that hosts the American Navy's Fifth Fleet, is also supporting the US resolution. It is expected that Bahrain will submit its vote by April 2, that is, on Thursday.
Gulf states depend heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for both exports and imports, including food. The majority of Gulf oil, which is about 20% of the global supply, also flows through this route. But as a counterattack against the US-Israeli aggression, Iran initiated a ban on the crucial waterway, impacting the world's supply of oil and natural gas. This eventually created quite a panic in the global markets.
The news of the UAE joining the war came after Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, said that his country was building new relationships with important countries in the West to counter Tehran. According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu discussed with ministers in a cabinet meeting, “ some Arab countries are talking about fighting together on our side.”
Looking at the future plans, Netanyahu reportedly said, “In the past, I had secret conversations with Arab leaders. I told them, As soon as Iran can, it will conquer you and overthrow your kingdoms. Back then, they didn't really internalise things. Today they understand.”
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, which portrays itself as the political and economic leader of the Arab world, has also threatened that it will join the war if Tehran does not stop military attacks against the country.