UAE Urges Peaceful Settlement With Iran Over Islands at UN General Assembly
The UAE told the UN General Assembly that Iran's control of three Emirati islands and the Strait of Hormuz must be resolved, stressing freedom of navigation.
The United Arab Emirates used its turn at the United Nations General Assembly to press for a peaceful resolution of its long-running dispute with Iran over three islands in the Gulf, while underscoring the importance of unimpeded maritime movement through the region.
Addressing the assembly on Monday, Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, the UAE's Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described Iran's continued hold on Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa as an unacceptable occupation. He said his country remained committed to settling the matter either through direct negotiations or by taking it to the International Court of Justice.
Al Marar also drew attention to the wider security of shipping lanes, noting the mounting risks to navigation in the region and beyond. He said the UAE has consistently upheld the principles of freedom of navigation and the right of transit passage, and has stressed the need to safeguard the uninterrupted movement of supply chains, trade and energy.
In the same address, the minister highlighted the UAE's mediation efforts in the region and internationally, and called for an immediate halt to ongoing escalations with Tehran.
His remarks came days after fresh dialogue between the United States and Iran was held on the margins of the annual high-level gathering.