The United Arab Emirates may join a United States-led effort to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, though no agreement has been finalised, the UAE president's diplomatic adviser said.
Discussions are ongoing on securing maritime routes and ensuring the flow of trade and energy, Dr Anwar Gargash said, as tensions rise in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz, between Iran and Oman, is a key route for global energy supplies, with about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through it. Iran has largely shut the waterway amid its conflict with Israel and the United States, raising risks to shipping and trade.
“We all share the responsibility of ensuring the continued flow of trade and energy,” Gargash said.
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“This is something that is in the interest of everybody… Everybody has a responsibility,” Gargash said.
Calls from US President Donald Trump for allied nations to deploy naval forces to escort tankers have drawn mixed responses. Some allies have resisted the proposal, citing a lack of consultation before US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.
The UAE, an oil exporter and trade hub, has faced direct impact from the escalation. Iran has carried out several attacks, including strikes on an Emirati port outside the Gulf used for oil exports, Gargash said.
“Some limited Iranian attacks in the region were expected… but not on this scale, this is full throttle,” he said.
Relations between the UAE and Iran have worsened since the conflict began, despite past trade ties. Abu Dhabi is not engaged in “active” talks with Tehran, Gargash said.
He said any post-war arrangement must address regional security concerns linked to Iran's nuclear and missile programmes.
“The solution has to guarantee for the region that we are not living under the menace of an Iranian nuclear program or under the menace of an Iranian missile and drone program,” Gargash said. He added that continued Iranian attacks could alter regional alignments, deepen ties between Israel and Arab states, and reinforce the role of the United States.
Gargash made the remarks at an online event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations. Reuters and Sky News Arabia reported the comments.
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