Evidence to Prove Iran’s Sovereignty Over the Persian Gulf Islands
WANA (Oct 29) – In the ancient land of Iran, the three islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb lie as precious jewels within the historical waters of the Persian Gulf. According to research conducted by Iran’s Mapping Organization, credible maps and documents reveal that these islands have belonged to Iran since ancient times, leaving no doubt about Iran’s sovereignty over them.
The Persian Gulf, a birthplace of early civilizations, has held centuries of historical and archaeological narratives of its inhabitants. In the coastal cities of this region, such as Chabahar and Bushehr, artifacts reveal that human life in the area dates back some six thousand years.
Today, this strategic expanse with its 130 small and large islands is recognized as one of the world’s most important economic and military hubs. Among these, Iranian islands such as Qeshm, Kish, Hormuz, and Abu Musa stand out due to their geographic location and economic and military significance.
But why are these three islands so important? They are located near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage through which 63 percent of the world’s oil flows. Control of these islands grants Iran military advantage, with Abu Musa serving as a vital defensive link in the south, enhancing Iran’s sovereignty over territorial waters and the continental shelf.
Iran Condemns EU-PGCC Statement on Persian Gulf Islands as Unfounded
WANA (Oct 17) – In response to the joint statement issued during the meeting of European Union (EU) and Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) leaders in Brussels, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has categorically rejected what he termed “baseless” allegations regarding the sovereignty of three islands in the Persian Gulf. Baghaei emphasized that […]
Looking back through history highlights the ancient significance of these islands. From the Elamite era to the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods, these islands have remained under the Iranian flag. During the Islamic era and up until the Safavid rule, Iran maintained its sovereignty over them, regaining control again in 1971 after a brief period of occupation by the Portuguese and then the British.
Each island has its own unique story: Abu Musa, a southern island, was once known as “Gap Sabzo,” meaning “Great and Verdant Island”; Greater Tunb, with its past presence of venomous snakes, was often called “Tunb Mar” or “Snake Tunb”; and Lesser Tunb, which has also been historically referred to as Tamb or Little Tunb.
– Geographic Position of Abu Musa: Covering approximately 12.84 square kilometers, Abu Musa lies between 55° and 55°03′ E longitude and 25°51′ and 25°54′ N latitude. It is bordered to the northeast by the islands of Greater and Lesser Tunb, to the northwest by Farur-e Bozorg and Farur-e Kuchak, and to the west by Siri Island. This southernmost Iranian island is part of Hormozgan Province’s Abu Musa county.
– Geographic Position of Greater Tunb: Spanning about 10.89 square kilometers, Greater Tunb is situated between 55°17′ and 55°19′ E longitude and 26°14′ and 26°17′ N latitude. It borders Qeshm Island to the north, Bandar Lengeh to the northwest, Lesser Tunb to the west, and Abu Musa to the southwest. It, too, is within Abu Musa county, Hormozgan Province.
– Geographic Position of Lesser Tunb: At approximately 1.37 square kilometers, Lesser Tunb lies between 55°08′ and 55°09′ E longitude and 26°14′ and 26°15′ N latitude, bordered by Bandar Lengeh to the northwest, Qeshm Island to the northeast, Greater Tunb to the east, Farur-e Bozorg to the west, and Abu Musa to the southwest. It is likewise part of Abu Musa county, Hormozgan Province.
These three islands, with their ancient history and strategic locations, remain a valuable heritage and a vital point in southern Iran. Historical maps clearly affirm their enduring connection to Iran.
Three Fingers: A Symbol Reinforcing Iran’s Claim Over the Three Islands
WANA (Oct 25) – In a recent collective initiative, Iranian social media users have turned a well-known symbol into a powerful reminder of Iran’s historical claim over the three islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. Inspired by the “three-finger” sign—a popular gesture in Emirati culture—Iranian users have shared images using this pose across […]
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