Iran has cited 19th-century British maps to bolster its claim over three disputed islands in the Strait of Hormuz, amid heightened tensions with the UAE following EU support for the UAE’s ownership claims. This dispute complicates Iran’s diplomatic relations as it seeks closer ties with Gulf neighbors.
Iran has invoked 19th-century British maps during its intensifying dispute with Gulf States over three strategically significant islands at the entrance to the vital Strait of Hormuz. The maps, created over 130 years ago on the orders of the Marquess of Salisbury, the then British Foreign Secretary, depict the islands as part of Iran, while the region now known as the United Arab Emirates was labeled as the “Pirate Coast.” This historical claim has been brought to the fore amidst rising tensions, particularly after a recent European Union (EU) summit issued a statement condemning Iran’s sovereignty over these islands, asserting it violated UAE territorial rights and the U.N. Charter. The islands in question—Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb—are crucial for their location, which controls the movement of oil tankers from the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The emirates of Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah lay conflicting claims over Abu Musa and the Tunb islands. British occupation began in 1908, culminating in the ceding of protectorate status back to Iran and the UAE in 1971, although negotiations concerning their future were never solidified. Iran forcibly took control of the Tunb islands upon the end of British administration, attributing historical significance to their claim dating back to the 6th century BC. Iran’s reclamation of Abu Musa was solidified in 1992 when it expelled remaining Emirati residents. The Iranian military views Abu Musa as a critical defensive outpost in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite calls from the UAE for international arbitration regarding the dispute, Iran has consistently rejected any external mediation. This conflict underscores the delicate balance of Iran’s regional diplomacy, which could be undermined by growing international condemnation. The Iranian regime reacted sharply to the recent EU’s endorsement of UAE claims, demonstrating the sensitivity of this territorial issue within Iranian domestic affairs. Iranian officials argue that British maps from the late 1800s support their historical claims. As the diplomatic spat escalates, Iranian officials have stressed the importance of reclaiming national sovereignty amidst external pressures, reflecting a broader narrative of regional geopolitics. The foreign minister condemned the EU’s stance, emphasizing, “The three islands have always belonged to Iran and will forever remain as such.”
The territorial dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the three islands—Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb—has a complex historical context rooted in colonial power dynamics and regional politics. The islands provide strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transportation. With the UAE formed as an independent nation in 1971, the islands’ ownership has remained contentious, particularly following territorial claims by Iran, which leverages historical maps and treaties as part of its defense. Recent geopolitical shifts, especially in light of Iranian efforts to improve relations with neighboring Gulf States, have exacerbated the complexities of this dispute, leading to heightened diplomatic tensions.
In summary, Iran’s use of historical British maps in the ongoing territorial dispute over three crucial islands signifies an attempt to legitimize its claims amid increasing geopolitical scrutiny. This conflict not only affects Iran’s relations with the UAE but also has implications for its broader diplomatic ties with Gulf States and the EU. As regional tensions rise, the Iranian government remains steadfast in asserting its control over the islands, navigating challenging international waters while under pressure from both internal and external forces.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
