GCC–EU Joint Statement Rekindles Dispute Over Iran’s Gulf Islands

The joint group accused Iran of occupying the three Persian Gulf islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, and called on Tehran to end what they described as the “occupation.”

Today October 7, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU) issued a joint statement accusing Iran of occupying the three Persian Gulf islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, and calling on Tehran to end what they described as the “occupation.” The communiqué also urged Iran to adhere to international law, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbors, and halt the development of its nuclear and drone programs, which the ministers claimed threaten regional and international security.

The meeting was held in Kuwait and concluded with an agreement to rename the gathering as the “Joint Council,” signaling a closer strategic partnership between the 27-member EU and the six GCC states — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The final communiqué included five separate references to Iran, combining territorial, security, and non-proliferation concerns.

In their statement, Gulf and European ministers reaffirmed support for the United Arab Emirates’ claim to the three islands, arguing that Iran’s control “violates UAE sovereignty and the principles of the UN Charter.” They urged Tehran to resolve the issue through direct negotiations with the UAE or to accept referral to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Joint Council also expressed “deep concern” over the lack of progress in resolving the islands dispute, warning that the situation continues to undermine regional stability.

The statement went beyond the islands dispute. It called on Iran to fulfill its obligations under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and reaffirmed that ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program is “essential for regional and global security.” The ministers further expressed concern about Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) programs, describing them as inconsistent with UN Security Council resolutions and destabilizing for the region.

The communiqué also referred to the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran, noting that “intensive diplomatic efforts failed to create the conditions necessary for extending the suspension of sanctions.” At the same time, the ministers emphasized that this should not mean “the end of diplomacy,” reiterating their view that “a political solution remains the only path forward” for addressing Iran’s nuclear issue.

The Iranian government responded swiftly and forcefully, rejecting all allegations made in the GCC–EU statement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized Iran’s “indisputable sovereignty” over the islands, declaring that “repeating false and baseless claims in political statements has no legal effect and cannot alter geographical or historical realities.”

Esmaeil Baghaei Hamaneh, spokesperson for the ministry, strongly condemned the GCC–EU statement, describing it as “interventionist and contrary to the principles of good-neighborliness.” He said that the three islands — Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb — are an inseparable part of Iranian territory and will remain so, and that “the repetition of groundless claims does not change historical or legal facts.”

Baghaei also criticized Gulf governments for “providing a platform for destructive foreign interference,” warning that aligning with European powers serves divisive external agendas and undermines regional cooperation. In his remarks, he dismissed the reference to Iran’s missile and nuclear programs as “an illegitimate attempt to interfere in Iran’s sovereign right to self-defense and peaceful technology.”

Iran maintains that its sovereignty over the three islands is absolute, permanent, and non-negotiable. Tehran argues that its reassertion of control in November 1971 — shortly before the establishment of the UAE — restored historical rights over territories long under Iranian jurisdiction. The islands lie near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy transit corridors, giving them significant strategic importance.

Iranian officials point out that the 1971 memorandum between Tehran and the emirate of Sharjah confirmed Iran’s administrative control over Abu Musa, while preserving certain local privileges for Sharjah’s residents. Tehran cites this as evidence that the issue was resolved through mutual understanding more than five decades ago. Iranian historians and diplomats also reference archival maps and documents from the Qajar and Pahlavi eras to demonstrate continuous Iranian possession of the islands.

The UAE, backed by GCC allies, continues to raise the issue in regional and international forums, describing Iran’s control as an “occupation.” Iran categorically rejects this terminology, insisting that no territorial dispute exists and that, consequently, there is nothing to negotiate or arbitrate. The Iranian position is that its sovereignty over the islands is absolute and rooted in international law and historical precedent.

In its response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused the GCC–EU bloc of “politicizing legal and historical matters” for geopolitical purposes. It described the statement as a “baseless effort to apply political pressure on Iran under the pretext of international law.” The ministry added that those who repeat such claims “are not seeking peace or regional stability but are fueling division and mistrust.”

Iran’s official position stresses that dialogue and cooperation in the Persian Gulf are possible only when based on mutual respect and non-interference. The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed that Tehran remains committed to regional dialogue, provided that other parties respect Iran’s sovereignty and avoid aligning with external powers.

The dispute over the three islands is among the oldest and most symbolically charged issues in Gulf politics. Iran’s stance has remained consistent through successive governments — from the Pahlavi monarchy to the Islamic Republic. Iranian leaders have repeatedly stated that the islands are an inseparable and eternal part of Iran’s territorial integrity.

The October 2025 GCC–EU statement has therefore revived a long-standing dispute and added new layers of pressure on Tehran by linking territorial claims to nuclear and defense concerns. While the GCC and EU describe their approach as diplomatic, Iran views it as a coordinated political campaign designed to isolate and weaken the country.

Tehran insists that its sovereignty over Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa is non-negotiable, and that no external statement or alliance can alter the facts of geography and history. Iranian officials maintain that true regional stability will only be achieved when neighbors engage directly and respectfully, without foreign interference in the Persian Gulf’s internal affairs.