Global Powers Rally to Preserve Hormuz Transit as Iran-Oman Claim Emerges
In 2026, the UAE joined Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UK, France, Kuwait, China, Japan and other major nations in a coordinated response to Iran and Oman’s claim of joint control over the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to safeguard global oil transit, maritime navigation and Gulf tourism. Iran has asserted joint control via the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, issuing new procedural requirements, while international law under UNCLOS treats Hormuz as an international strait with freedom of navigation. A UK-France-led 51‑nation diplomacy effort reinforces open passage and legal transit rights, as Gulf states coordinate on security measures; Saudi Arabia leans on alternative routes like the East-West Pipeline to maintain export flows. Disruptions risk oil-price volatility and impacts on container shipping and tourism, underscoring Hormuz’s critical role as a global chokepoint that handles a substantial share of world petroleum liquids.