UAE-Iran Tensions Escalate: 120-Year Dispute Over Three Strategic Islands Deepens

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have reached a critical juncture as the long-standing rivalry between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran enters a more confrontational phase. Recent developments have seen a significant breakdown in diplomatic and transport links between the two neighbors. On Wednesday, three major regional carriers—Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai—officially announced that the UAE has restricted Iranian nationals from entering or transiting through the country. This move comes amid heightened military posturing and political friction, reflecting a deep-seated lack of trust between Abu Dhabi and Tehran.

The roots of this friction trace back to a 120-year-old dispute centered on the sovereignty of three strategic islands in the Persian Gulf: Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb. According to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal, the UAE has allegedly urged the United States and other Western powers to maintain a firm stance against Iran. The report further claims that the UAE has offered military cooperation to ensure regional security, a move interpreted by analysts as part of a broader strategy to counter Iranian influence in the region and reclaim what it considers its sovereign territory.

Aviation Restrictions and Immediate Diplomatic Fallout

The restrictions imposed by the UAE's leading airlines have garnered international attention, while long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, along with budget airline flydubai, updated their websites to inform travelers that visas are currently not being issued to Iranian passport holders. According to officials, this decision was necessitated by security concerns and the prevailing instability in the region. Diplomatic observers suggest that these measures aren't merely administrative but represent a calculated effort to exert pressure on Tehran. While trade between the UAE and Iran has historically been solid, recent military developments have pushed bilateral relations to their lowest point in years.

Historical Context of the Colonial-Era Island Dispute

The territorial dispute between Iran and the UAE dates back to 1905, when the Qajar dynasty of Persia first asserted claims over Abu Musa and the Tunb islands. At the time, Great Britain, acting as the protecting power for the Trucial States (now the UAE), maintained that the islands belonged to the Emirates of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. This status quo persisted until 1971, when British forces prepared to withdraw from the region. On 30 November 1971, just two days before the official formation of the UAE, Iranian forces launched a military operation to occupy the islands. Since then, the UAE has consistently maintained its claim over the islands, seeking their return through international legal and diplomatic channels.

Strategic Significance of the Strait of Hormuz Gateway

Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb are located near the mouth of the Persian Gulf, in close proximity to the Strait of Hormuz. Geographically, these islands command the shipping lanes through which approximately 40% of the world's seaborne oil trade passes. Control over these islands allows for the monitoring and potential disruption of commercial and military maritime traffic. Iran has heavily fortified these islands with radar installations and missile batteries. The UAE argues that Iran's continued occupation not only violates its territorial integrity but also poses a persistent threat to the security of international maritime trade and global energy supplies.

Economic Interests and Control Over Energy Resources

The significance of the islands extends beyond military strategy into the realm of economic resources, while the territorial waters surrounding Abu Musa are known to contain substantial reserves of oil and natural gas. In the early 1970s, an agreement was reached between the Emirate of Sharjah and Iran to share oil revenues from the Mubarek field, but this arrangement became largely defunct following the full military takeover. Currently, the exploitation of these resources is hampered by the ongoing political stalemate. The UAE maintains that the restoration of its sovereignty over these islands is essential for its long-term energy security and economic development.

Diplomatic Initiatives and Proposed International Coalitions

According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, the UAE is now exploring new avenues to address the dispute on the global stage. Emirati officials are reportedly seeking a resolution through the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that would authorize international intervention or mediation regarding the islands' status. Also, the UAE has reached out to military powers in Europe and Asia to form a coalition aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomats suggest that if the UNSC provides a mandate, several nations currently hesitant to confront Iran directly might join a collective effort to ensure the freedom of navigation in the region.