Brief
UAE urges peaceful resolution of dispute over three islands occupied by Iran
UAE officials said the islands should be returned to Emirati sovereignty through diplomacy or the International Court of Justice.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The United Arab Emirates reiterated its rejection of Iran’s occupation of the three Emirati islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa at the high‑level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on 29 September 2026.
UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar called for a “peaceful settlement of this conflict, whether through direct negotiations or by recourse to the International Court of Justice”. He said the UAE would continue to seek the return of the islands to Emirati sovereignty and that the islands were occupied by Iranian military forces on 30 November 1971, two days before the UAE was established.
Al Marar noted that the UAE first raised the issue before the United Nations Security Council on 9 December 1971 and that the country has repeatedly asserted its sovereignty over the islands, citing historical documents. He framed the UAE’s position within a broader foreign‑policy approach that prioritises de‑escalation, bridge‑building and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
In addition to the island dispute, Al Marar reaffirmed the UAE’s support for a two‑state solution to the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict and condemned Israel’s escalation in the West Bank. He highlighted the UAE’s role as the largest provider of humanitarian aid to Gaza and its development projects in the West Bank.
Al Marar also mentioned the UAE’s support for peace efforts in Yemen, Libya, the Sahel, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar and Haiti, and reiterated the country’s backing of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with international law and the UN Charter.
Key facts
- UAE says Iran occupied Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa on 30 November 1971 (khaleejtimes.com)
- UAE first raised the island dispute before the UN Security Council on 9 December 1971 (khaleejtimes.com)
- UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar called for a peaceful settlement via direct negotiations or the International Court of Justice (khaleejtimes.com)
Background
The dispute dates back to the early 1970s when Iran took control of the islands shortly before the UAE’s independence. The UAE has consistently claimed sovereignty based on historical documents and has sought international legal avenues to resolve the issue.
Timeline
- 1971-11-30 — Iran occupies Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa
- 1971-12-09 — UAE raises issue before UN Security Council
- 2026-09-29 — UAE calls for peaceful settlement at UN General Assembly
Why it matters
The islands are strategically located in the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments. The dispute affects regional security and diplomatic relations between the UAE and Iran.
What happens next
The UAE has indicated it will continue to pursue diplomatic and legal channels, including potential recourse to the International Court of Justice, to secure the return of the islands.
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “UAE calls for peaceful settlement of dispute over 3 islands occupied by Iran”
