Hormuz Blockade Drives UAE Exit from OPEC as U.S.-Iran Conflict Enters Third Month

The United Arab Emirates has announced its withdrawal from OPEC, a decision seen as a strategic response to Iran’s continued disruption of energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The exit marks a major realignment in Gulf economic policy as the regional conflict enters its third month. Oil prices continued to climb on Tuesday as the blockade remains in effect, with U.S. naval forces preventing Iranian-bound transit while Tehran blocks non-Iranian traffic from the critical waterway. In Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Iran's control over global energy supplies as an "economic nuclear weapon," holding approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas hostage. While President Trump’s administration remains focused on countering Iranian leverage, officials express growing concern that the situation may evolve into a prolonged, costly standoff. Current diplomatic proposals mediated by Pakistan attempt to separate maritime access from nuclear negotiations, but clear progress remains elusive. Tehran has maintained a firm stance, insisting on "credible guarantees" against further military strikes from the U.S. or Israel as a prerequisite for reopening the strait. As the White House weighs its next strategic moves, aides have cautioned that the U.S. may be entering a 'Cold War-like' phase with Iran, characterized by high troop deployment costs and stalemated diplomacy.