Ahead of the Israeli-US-Iran war, the United Arab Emirates spoke to the US and other western allies and said that it is willing to take part in a multinational maritime taskforce to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the Financial Times.
Along with this, it has also been reported that the UAE is trying to push dozens of other countries to form a “Hormuz Security Force.” This is to be done to defend the strait from Iranian attacks and make ships pass through the strait forcefully.
Furthermore, the officials reported that the Gulf country is also trying to get the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution aiming to permit the move. As per the reports, UAE diplomats have urged the US and other major military powers in Europe and Asia to collide to reopen the strait. It added that even if the force is required, the move should take place.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the UAE said that Iran believes that it is fighting for its survival and perhaps will block the straits even if this action affects the global economy.
Several US allies have said they have no immediate plans to deploy naval forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, effectively pushing back against a request by Donald Trump for military support to keep the vital waterway open.
Meanwhile, France said it had held discussions with around 35 countries to explore potential partners and proposals for a mission to reopen the strait, but only after the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran comes to an end, according to Reuters.
The Strait of Hormuz is a significant waterway that carries about one fifth of the world’s oil consumption and a large share of global LNG exports from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, and especially Qatar. Many of them do not have an alternative maritime route for their hydrocarbons.
Following the late February strikes that claimed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Piranhas closed the strait for most of the countries, with the IRGC sending a warning that “no ship is allowed to pass” and later declaring it shut to “unfriendly nations.” This blockage has severely resulted in the rise in price of LPGs in countries including India.
In India, commercial LPG prices were hiked by ₹195.50 on Wednesday amid rising global energy costs triggered by the West Asia conflict. In Delhi, a 19-kg cylinder now costs ₹2,078.5, while domestic LPG prices remain unchanged at ₹913. State-run firms revise rates monthly based on global benchmarks. Supply disruptions have intensified after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route, impacting India, which imports 60% of its LPG. Brent crude remains elevated despite slight easing. The Centre has urged a shift to PNG and provided temporary kerosene relief. The opposition has criticised the government, with Rahul Gandhi warning of worsening economic impact.
