UAE Renews Call for Peaceful Resolution on Gulf Islands, Iran Firmly Rejects Claims

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again called for a peaceful resolution to its long-standing dispute with Iran over the three strategically vital islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this week, UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar urged either direct negotiations or referral to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle the matter. However, Iran swiftly rejected these renewed claims, with its UN mission adviser Nasser Asadi and Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserting that the islands are an 'inseparable' part of Iran territory and their sovereignty is 'not negotiable'. This diplomatic standoff highlights a decades-old territorial dispute, stemming from Iran occupation of the islands in 1971, just before the UAE formation. The islands' location near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping lane, makes their control immensely significant for regional security and international trade. The UAE appeal aligns with its broader foreign policy, which emphasizes de-escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue in a region often fraught with tensions, and also saw it reiterate support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has consistently backed the UAE stance, urging Iran to engage in peaceful means of resolution. With Iran maintaining its firm stance that the islands are non-negotiable and dismissing the UAE claims as 'baseless', the path to a peaceful settlement remains unclear. Observers will be watching for any further diplomatic maneuvers or reactions from regional and international bodies. This recurring flashpoint underscores the persistent geopolitical complexities in the Persian Gulf, where sovereignty disputes continue to challenge stability and diplomatic initiatives.