The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing to help the US and other allies reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force, Arab officials said, The Wall Street Journal reports.

This move would make it the first Persian Gulf country to become a combatant, after being hit by Iranian attacks.

The UAE is lobbying for a United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorize such action, the officials said.

Emirati diplomats have urged the US and military powers in Europe and Asia to form a coalition to reopen the strait by force, the officials said.

A UAE official said the Iranian regime thinks it is fighting for its existence and is willing to bring the global economy down with it in a chokehold on the strait.

According to sources, the UAE has proposed to the US to occupy the Iranian islands in the Strait of Hormuz, including Abu Musa, which the UAE itself claims.