After OPEC exit, UAE deepens US, Israel ties and warns against Iran’s role in Hormuz

Key Points:

• Anwar Gargash, adviser to the UAE president, emphasized that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz depends on international law and collective will, warning against relying on unilateral Iranian arrangements following Iran's aggressive actions against its neighbors.
• French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that a U.S. plan to form a coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz complements, rather than competes with, an advanced Franco-British initiative involving dozens of countries to escort and protect merchant vessels.
• The U.S. is actively seeking allies to join the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC), a coalition aimed at ensuring safe passage through the strait by providing real-time information, safety guidance, and coordination.
• The White House is reportedly considering maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports for an extended period amid stalled war negotiations, contributing to a spike in oil prices above $125 per barrel.
• The UAE's recent withdrawal from OPEC is driven by practical reasons, including the desire to increase oil production beyond OPEC quotas and invest in alternative export routes to bypass the nearly closed Strait of Hormuz, reflecting deeper security and economic concerns following Iranian attacks and regional tensions.