The Arab League rectifies Emirates-Iran dispute over Strait of Hormuz islands
Foreign ministers of the Arab League have reaffirmed the UAE’s sovereignty over three islands in the Strait of Hormuz (Abu Mousa, Greater Tumb and Lesser Tumb) that were occupied by Iran in the 1970s. They also reaffirmed their support for the steps taken by the Gulf country to restore its sovereignty over the islands and all its "peaceful" means.
In a resolution adopted during the 155th meeting of the Arab League held in Cairo, the top envoys denounced the Iranian government’s continued occupation of the three islands, what they described as its violation of the UAE’s sovereignty in a way that destabilizes the region and threatens international peace and security, state news agency WAM reported.
The League Council also condemned the Iranian government's establishment of residential units for the Iranian people on the islands. It further requested Tehran “to stop such provocative acts which are considered interferences in the internal affairs of an independent, sovereign state in a way that threatens regional stability and endangers the safety of maritime navigation in the region.”
They called for a halt to Iranian military manoeuvres in the region, both in territorial waters and in airspace and economic zones belonging to the United Arab Emirates. They also denounced Tehran’s opening of two offices in Abu Mousa island, – which they have called for their removal – as well as the visits of senior Iranian officials to the occupied UAE islands, and decried such aggressive steps taken by Tehran.
Iranian military forces seized the three islands on Nov. 30, 1971, just two days before the establishment of the UAE, after British forces withdrew from the islands.
The UAE government has consistently sought a diplomatic resolution to the issue. Calling for the dispute to be resolved through direct and meaningful negotiations or arbitration. Or alternatively, to submit the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final resolution in accordance with international norms.
More than 40 years on, Abu Dhabi still offers its offer to Tehran to resolve this dispute. However, Iran has rejected such suggestions and continues to refuse to discuss sovereignty over any of the islands.
The UAE has lodged a complaint with the UN, but the Security Council has deferred action to allow an opportunity for negotiations.
The dispute stems from the geostrategic position of these small islands in the Strait of Hormuz. Oil tankers sailing in its waters carry one out of every five barrels of oil on the planet. These ships load their holds in the United Arab Emirates and distribute them around the world.
