Gulf nation could join fight against Iran – WSJ

The UAE is preparing to assist the US in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz by force, Arab officials have told the outlet

The United Arab Emirates is getting ready to become the first Gulf nation to commit its military to the US-Israeli war against Iran, the Wall Street Journal has reported, citing Arab officials.

Since the start of the conflict a month ago, the UAE has been hit by some 2,500 Iranian missiles and drones, more than any other country in the region, including Israel. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed due to the fighting, the country’s oil output has been reduced by more than half, while stock markets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have lost around $120 billion in value.

The Emirates wants the Strait of Hormuz unblocked for oil trade so badly that it is ready to assist the US militarily in doing so, the WSJ said in an article on Tuesday.

The nation’s diplomats have privately urged Washington to form a military coalition with European and Asian countries to take control of the waterway, the sources said.

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According to the officials, the UAE is lobbying for a UN Security Council resolution authorizing the use of force in the Strait of Hormuz.

The leadership in Abu Dhabi is currently “actively” looking at ways in which the country could contribute militarily to securing the waterway, including through mine clearing and other support activities, they said.

The Gulf state also wants the US to occupy the islands in the strait, including Abu Musa, which have been under Iran’s control for a half-century, but are claimed by the UAE, the Arab officials added.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Washington could withdraw from the conflict in two to three weeks and “will not have anything to do with” what happens in the Strait of Hormuz after that. Unblocking the waterway, through which 20% of seaborne oil trade passes, will be a task for “whoever uses the strait,” he insisted.

READ MORE: Trump claims he’s nearly ready to end war as airstrikes batter Tehran (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

Iran maintains that the Strait of Hormuz is only closed for the US and its allies, while ships from other countries are free to go through it. Tehran also warned that it would decimate energy infrastructure in the Gulf states if an attempt to capture its islands or coastal areas is made.