The current and escalating situation between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is dominating news headlines. The conflict stems from a joint statement issued at the 6th Arab-Russian Cooperation Forum in Morocco, which has questioned Iran’s claim over three disputed islands in the Persian Gulf. This statement, signed by both Russia and the Arab nations, called for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute involving Iran and UAE.
In retaliation, Iran summoned the Russian envoy to register its protest against the joint statement, which added another layer of complexity to an already tense situation.
The Dispute Over the Persian Gulf Islands
At the heart of this escalating tension lies the disagreement over three islands located within the strategic Strait of Hormuz: the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. Iran insists these islands have been part of the Persian states since ancient times; however, they were usurped by the British in the early 20th century. After the withdrawal of British forces in 1971, Iran reclaimed these islands and now regards them as an “inseparable” part of its domain.
Supplementing this claim, Iran argues it has an agreement with Sharjah, one of UAE’s seven emirates, which acknowledges their right to manage Abu Musa and station troops there.
Contrarily, the UAE also stakes its claim over these disputed islands. The city of Ras al-Khaimah lays claims to the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, while Sharjah claims Abu Musa. The UAE insists that Iran forcibly took possession of these islands just prior to the establishment of the Emirati Federation in 1971.
Persian Gulf: A Geographical Overview
The Persian Gulf, also known as the Arabian Gulf, is a shallow sea situated within the Indian Ocean region. It borders the Arabian Peninsula on one side and southwestern Iran on the other. Besides Iran, the Persian Gulf shares its border with multiple countries including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.
The gulf is connected to the Gulf of Oman via the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is located between Qeshm Island and the northern Iranian coast, and the Musandam Peninsula of the Arabian Peninsula towards the southern side.
Persian Gulf’s Role in Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production
The countries that border the Persian Gulf are major contributors to the production of crude oil and natural gas globally. The region’s geographical location and abundance in natural resources make it a strategically important area, further fuelling the dispute over the three islands. The resolution of this conflict holds significant implications for the international energy market and geopolitical relations within the region.