Strait of Hormuz Crisis: UAE Seeks UN Military Action

UAE Urges UN to Sanction Force to Reopen Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates has formally called on the United Nations Security Council to authorize all necessary measures, including the use of military force, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a letter dated Tuesday, April 1, 2026, the UAE's ambassador, Mohamed Abushahab, urged the council to take "immediate action" to restore safe navigation through the critical waterway, which has been effectively closed by Iran since early March.

The diplomatic move escalates an already tense situation that has disrupted global energy markets. The UAE's request specifically invokes Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, a provision that allows the Security Council to approve actions ranging from economic sanctions to military intervention to address threats to international peace and security. This step signals a significant shift in the UAE's strategy, moving from a position of relative sideline caution to actively seeking a robust international mandate for intervention.

The Diplomatic Battle at the UN

Bahrain, currently a non-permanent member of the Security Council, is spearheading the effort to draft a resolution that would give a mandate to a naval task force. The initial draft, backed by the UAE, other Gulf states, and the United States, explicitly referenced Chapter 7. However, this direct approach met with resistance, primarily due to the likelihood of a veto from Russia and China, who are traditional partners of Iran.

In response to these diplomatic hurdles, a revised text was circulated. While it removed the explicit mention of Chapter 7, diplomats report that it retains strong language that would effectively authorize the use of force to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman. Discussions are ongoing to build consensus among council members, but divisions remain deep over how to handle the crisis without triggering a wider conflict.

Context of the Crisis

The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz began in early March after Iran moved to throttle the waterway. This action was a direct retaliation for a US-Israeli offensive against Iran that commenced on February 28, which reportedly resulted in over 1,300 casualties, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Since then, Iran has struck vessels and maintained a blockade, halting the passage of commercial shipping.

The strait is arguably the world's most important oil chokepoint. Approximately 20 million barrels of oil, representing about 20% of the global supply, pass through it daily under normal conditions. The disruption has caused the most severe energy supply shock in history, sending global oil and gas prices soaring and raising concerns about long-term economic damage.

Key Data on the Hormuz Disruption

Shifting US Stance and European Caution

The United States' position on the crisis has evolved. Early in the conflict, President Donald Trump pledged to use naval forces to escort commercial vessels. More recently, however, he has indicated that the U.S. should not bear the primary responsibility, urging NATO allies in Europe and other nations to lead the effort to reopen the strait. This has created uncertainty among allies about the level of American commitment.

France has pushed back against the suggestion that NATO should lead an offensive operation, stating the alliance's mandate is for security in the Euro-Atlantic area. French officials have confirmed they are working to bring multiple countries together to establish conditions for a lasting reopening of the waterway, indicating a preference for a diplomatic and coalition-based solution over a unilateral or purely military one.

UAE Considers Direct Military Role

Faced with ongoing missile and drone attacks from Iran that have targeted its infrastructure, the UAE is now actively considering a direct military role in the conflict. This marks a major policy change after weeks of attempting to avoid direct combat. An Arab official stated that the country is preparing to support the United States and its allies in reopening the vital oil route. Potential contributions being reviewed include mine-clearing operations and other logistical support.

This strategic shift is not without significant peril. Iran has explicitly warned that it will target civilian infrastructure in any Gulf country that supports military action against it. The UAE has already experienced an intensification of attacks, with reports of nearly 50 projectiles being fired in a single day. Entering the war would expose the nation to further retaliation and could destabilize its position as a regional safe haven for business and tourism.

Conclusion: A Region at a Crossroads

The UAE's call for UN-backed force places the international community at a critical juncture. The economic consequences of a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz are severe, creating immense pressure for a resolution. However, the path to reopening the waterway is fraught with diplomatic and military risks. The upcoming vote on the Bahrain-sponsored resolution will be a key indicator of whether a global consensus for action can be formed. Regardless of the outcome at the UN, the UAE appears poised to take more direct action, a decision that could reshape the conflict and the future of regional stability.