Yusuf al-Ateba

The UAE, which has been targeted the most in the region by Iranian counterattacks, says it is ready to join an international force to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Ships, including oil and gas tankers, are unable to transit because of Iranian attacks.

In an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal, the UAE's ambassador to Washington, Yusuf al-Ateba, said Iran cannot be allowed to hold the global economy hostage.

He wrote, a simple ceasefire isn't enough and that a conclusive outcome is needed that addresses Iran's threats, including, he says, its nuclear capabilities and its missiles and drones.

Before the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, approximately 130 ships a day passed through the strait.

The latest figures show six or less ships transiting a day in coordination with Iran.

Aya Bhattarawi, NPR News, Dubai.