Dispute Over Islands Heats Up Between Iran And The UAE

Iran-UAE Island Dispute Could Escalate -- Voice of America

WASHINGTON, DC — Together, Abu Musa, Greater Tunbs and Lesser Tunbs amount to fewer than 26 square kilometers of sand and scrub. But their location in the middle of Persian Gulf shipping and tanker lanes near the Strait of Hormuz gives the islands huge strategic importance.

And this importance extends not only to the United Arab Emirates and Iran – both of which claim the islands -- but far beyond. The dispute over who has sovereignty over the islands dates back more than a century. Until recently, the debate was a regional matter. Now, in the light of rising tension over Iran’s nuclear plans and Israel’s threats to attack Iran, the dispute could heat up quickly.

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My Comment: The international focus is on China's territorial disputes with its neighbors ... but the Iran/UAE dispute is even more serious when one realizes that a good portion of the world's oil supplies pass through these disputed islands everyday. My prediction on what is going to happen ... Iran will ignore all international demands that they withdraw their forces and enter into negotiations with the UAE.

U.A.E. Proposes A Solution To It's Island Spat With Iran

U.A.E. Says Iran Island Spat May Be Sent to International Court -- Bloomberg Businesweek

The Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates called for resolving a dispute with Iran over three islands in the Persian Gulf through negotiations or by taking the matter to the International Court of Justice.

The Cabinet met today and said the question of sovereignty over the islands must be decided “through peaceful diplomatic channels or under the umbrella of the international law,” according to a statement published on the website of ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

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Update: Tiny Gulf islands rekindle big Arab-Iran dispute -- AP

My Comment: I do not know if this will accomplish anything. Iran has a long history of not respecting international decisions .... especially on decisions in which it perceives it's sovereignty is at stake.

UAE - Iran Island Dispute Intensifies

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Gulf Leaders Discuss UAE-Iran Island Dispute -- Voice of America

Foreign ministers of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council held an emergency meeting in Doha Tuesday to discuss a territorial dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, which some believe could pose a threat to international security. The talks followed a visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Abu Musa, a Persian Gulf island controlled by Iran, but also claimed by the UAE.

Iranian state media said Mr. Ahmadinejad traveled to the disputed territory last week to deal with domestic issues.

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More News On The UAE-Iran Island Dispute

UAE says Gulf island spat threatens global security -- AFP
Gulf bloc warns Iran in escalating dispute over islands -- Washington Post/AP
Sheikh Abdullah: behaviour of Iran is 'dangerous' -- The National
Iran leader’s visit to island reignites feud with Emirates -- Washington Times
GCC slams Iran provocation -- Khaleej Times
GCC ministers express solidarity with UAE over Abu Mousa issue -- Gulf News
Saudi Arabia Blasts Iran Over Ahmadinejad's Visit To Disputed Island -- RTT News
Ahmadinejad urges Gulf cooperation amid islands row -- Jerusalem Post/Reuters
Iran FM warns over escalation of Gulf island spat -- FOX News/AP
US sympathizes with UAE in Iran island rift -- AFP
Iranian claims to disputed islands whitewash history -- Peter Hellyer, The National