Iran’s Absolute Right over the Three Islands

The islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, located at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, are among Iran’s most strategic areas in the Persian Gulf. Due to their vital location and economic significance, these islands have always been under Iran’s sovereignty, and their ownership has never been legitimately disputed.

Historical records show that these islands have been under Iranian control for centuries, with local administrations subordinate to Tehran. Even during the British presence in the Persian Gulf, Iran maintained full legal ownership and continuous sovereignty over the islands, and no international document ever transferred their ownership to any other country.

After the withdrawal of British forces from the region in 1971, Iran took full control of the islands, and since then, administration, protection, and development have been carried out by Iran. In international law, effective and continuous control is a primary criterion for establishing sovereignty, and Iran fully meets this standard on these islands.

The United Arab Emirates’ claim to the islands is based largely on local administration before 1971 and limited historical assertions, without any valid international document to support it. This claim, in contrast to Iran’s clear historical records and continuous sovereignty, has no legal foundation.

Considering Iran’s long-standing sovereignty, actual and continuous control, and the absence of any legitimate legal document supporting the UAE’s claim, it can be stated with absolute certainty that Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb belong to Iran, and no other claim can challenge this ownership.

Dr. Ali Joudaki