The United Arab Emirates is spearheading efforts to form a multinational naval task force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid Iranian attacks that have paralyzed shipping through the vital waterway. The UAE has told the US and other Western allies it would deploy its own navy to participate in the coalition, according to three sources familiar with the situation.

Abu Dhabi is working to build the broadest possible international coalition, with officials emphasizing this is not about war with Iran but about protecting global commerce. The UAE is also drafting a UN Security Council resolution with Bahrain to provide a mandate for any future task force, though Russia and China could oppose the move. Tehran's attacks have reduced traffic through the strait to a trickle, threatening global oil prices and supply chains.

Senior Emirati minister Sultan al-Jaber told US Vice President JD Vance that Iran is holding the strait hostage, forcing nations to pay an economic ransom at every level. The UAE is pushing dozens of countries to create a "Hormuz Security Force" to defend against Iranian attacks and escort shipping. While Bahrain backs the plan, other Gulf states remain hesitant, caught between supporting US efforts to damage Iran and fearing an abrupt American withdrawal that could leave a more radical regime in power.