Iran has cited 19th century British maps to legitimize its claims over three islands contested by the UAE, amidst growing tensions following the EU’s condemnation of what it views as Iranian occupation. The islands are strategically located near the critical Strait of Hormuz, pivotal for global oil transportation, complicating regional diplomatic relations as Iran seeks allies against external threats.
Iran has revived its claims to three strategically significant islands by referencing historical maps created over 130 years ago. These maps, commissioned by the British foreign secretary Marquess of Salisbury, indicate that Britain historically viewed the islands as belonging to Iran. This dispute emerges against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran and Gulf states, exacerbated by a recent European Union statement condemning Iran’s supposed occupation of the islands, emphasizing respect for UAE sovereignty. The ownership disagreement involves the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, which sit near the vital strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for oil tankers. With the Emirates of Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah claiming the islands, the dispute poses a challenge for Iran’s diplomatic relationships, particularly following the EU’s public support for the UAE’s position. Iranians are asserting that British maps from the 1800s affirm their historical claim to the islands, which Iran considers its defense line at the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s position is more deeply entrenched by the rejection of third-party mediation, despite UAE efforts for arbitration through international judicial avenues. In a show of defiance and national pride, Iranian officials have highlighted the historical context backing their claims while attempting to manage their relations with Arab states amidst their goal of formulating an alliance against external threats such as Israel. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the EU’s statement and underscored Iran’s enduring claim, while Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed a firmer stance against what he termed baseless claims from the Gulf states.
The ownership of the three islands—Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb—has been a long-standing issue between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since Iran’s seizure of the islands in 1971. The islands are located at a crucial maritime junction for international oil transportation. The historical context, primarily involving British colonial maps and treaties, plays a significant role in this dispute, revealing layers of political tension and regional ramifications as Iran seeks to navigate its foreign relations in light of recent diplomatic challenges, including the EU’s support for UAE claims.
The ongoing dispute over the three islands is indicative of broader geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. Iran’s reference to 19th-century British maps illustrates its reliance on historical claims to assert sovereignty amidst international scrutiny. As both Iran and the UAE seek to affirm their territorial integrity, this situation complicates Iran’s endeavors to establish cooperative relationships with its Gulf neighbors and further underlines the challenging dynamics of regional diplomacy.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
