TEL AVIV, March 17 (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates may join a U.S.-led initiative to secure shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Emirati official said on Tuesday. However, he noted that no formal plan has been finalized and discussions are still underway.
"We all have a responsibility to ensure the flow of trade, the flow of energy," said Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, during an online event hosted by the American think tank, the Council on Foreign Relations.
Gargash added that once the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran concludes, a framework will be necessary to prevent Iran from using its nuclear, missile, or drone programs "to terrorize the region."
Concerns have increased over the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blocked at times. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has sought to rally countries to deploy warships to escort tankers through this strategic waterway.
(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Alistair Bell)
