EU-GCC Statement Reignites Dispute Over Iran's Control of Three Persian Gulf Islands

A new wave of condemnation and reactions is triggered by the recent joint and controversial statement of the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union addressing Iran’s occupation of the three islands. In its last pronouncement, the European Union and [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council went to the extent of demanding Iran to cease its occupation of three islands belonging to the United Arab Emirates in line with the United Nations Charter supplementary respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. The press release asserts that Iran’s dominion over the three islands ‘is an affront on the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates and it also contravenes the provisions of the United Nations Charter’ in terms of international law.

A Brief History of the Three Islands

There is a historical basis for Iran's claims of sovereignty over the three islands in the Persian Gulf. The roots of Iran's sovereignty over these three islands can be traced back to ancient Iran and the rule of the Elamites, Medes, Achaemenids, Arsacids, and Sasanians. Iran's sovereignty over the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb is also acknowledged in historical documents, books, geographical maps and official records belonging to Iran.

These islands have had a tumultuous history. From ancient times to the fifteenth century, local Iranian inhabitants frequented and resided on these islands until they were conquered by Portuguese naval forces. In 1602, the Safavids were able to defeat the Portuguese and establish Iranian sovereignty over the Persian Gulf and its islands. This sovereignty continued until 1720.

It should be noted that from 1346 to1500, all the islands situated in the Persian Gulf were under the rule of the Sultan of Hormuz, who was a vassal of the ruler of Persia. In 1948, the three islands, which were under the protection of the British Empire at that time, were occupied. This occupation lasted until 1971. It is worth mentioning that during this period, none of the governments of Iran at that time accepted this occupation and the three islands continued to be mentioned in Iran's territorial divisions. In 1971, after an agreement between Iran and Britain and before the withdrawal of the military forces of this country from the three islands, following nearly 70 years of continuous complaints by the Iranian government against Britain's occupation, the islands were finally returned to Iran. In 1992, Iran took full control of Abu Musa Island. The three islands have great importance due to their proximity to the deep water of the Persian Gulf and their strategic location overlooking the Strait Hormuz, which is a crucial oil route.

Since the Qasemi Sheikhs paid tribute to Iran as rulers of Bandar Lengeh, there was no dispute about the islands, and generally, these islands were considered to belong to Iran. However, following the infighting of the Qasemi tribes and the weakening of the Iranian ruler in Bandar Lengeh, the Arab sheikhs from the other side of the coast claimed ownership over the three islands. Britain supported their claims that these islands are their ancestral land and their rule is under the sheikhs of Qasemi in Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah. From 1904, Iran continuously objected against Britain until 1971 when Britain ended its colonization and the three islands returned to Iran. From 1903 onwards, the Iranian government has consistently rejected the claims of the rulers of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah regarding the three islands on various grounds. In this regard, Iran has not only resorted to repeated protests and correspondences but has also expressed its position through other actions such as levying customs duties and hoisting flags.

The Importance of the Three Islands

The three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa are located in the Persian Gulf at the entrance of the Strait Hormuz, and the United Arab Emirates has always claimed ownership of them. Furthermore, these three islands are located in the sea lanes connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. It is worth mentioning that the three islands are strategically positioned along important shipping routes for oil and gas. Considered geopolitical points, these islands are located in the deep section of the Persian Gulf, suitable for maritime activities. Hence, control over these strategic islands signifies control over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important nexus. Additionally, the Persian Gulf islands are referred to as the defensive fortress of the Strait of Hormuz because of their unique geopolitical position.

One of the reasons for the United Arab Emirates' claim to ownership of the three islands has roots in economic and strategic considerations. Because of the strategic location of the islands, including their position in the Persian Gulf and shipping routes, as well as the presence of oil, gas, and hydrocarbon resources, access to one of the world's most important trade routes is at stake.

The location of the three islands is such that it naturally enables control over the Strait of Hormuz. The three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa are an important part of the defensive and protective system of the Strait of Hormuz and the southern coastal areas of Iran. Moreover, the six islands such as Qeshm, Hormuz, Larak, Hengam, Greater Tunb and Abu Musa, which are located close to each other, form an imaginary curve that constitutes Iran's defensive arc in the Strait of Hormuz and act as control tools.

The recent joint statement by the European Union and the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council condemning Iran's occupation of the three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa has become the newest threat to Iran's territorial integrity. Before the joint statement, the United Arab Emirates had always asserted its sovereignty over the three islands. However, for the first time, the tone of the UAE authorities has become more severe, using the term "occupation" to describe their governance and even accusing Iran which violates the United Nations Charter and the UAE's sovereignty over the islands.