On March 31, The Wall Street Journal reported that Arab officials have revealed that the United Arab Emirates is preparing to assist the United States and other allies in controlling the Strait of Hormuz by force.
The report noted that a UAE official said the UAE has suggested that the United States, European, and Asian countries form an alliance to control the strait by force. The UAE is studying how to play a military role in the security of the strait, including assisting with minesweeping and providing other support services.
The report stated that UAE officials believe the US should occupy strategically important islands in the waterway, including Abu Musa Island. Abu Musa Island is located at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz and there is a dispute between Iran and the UAE regarding its sovereignty. The island is currently under Iranian administration.
The report pointed out that it is still unclear whether military action can open up the Strait of Hormuz. Military analysts believe that any such operation would require not only control of the waterway itself, but also control of up to 100 miles (approximately 160 kilometers) of land along the strait, which may require the deployment of ground forces.