Gargash Reaffirms UAE Commitment to Peaceful Resolution of Island Dispute With Iran

Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of its dispute with Iran over Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa.

Gargash was responding to criticism by Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, of the UAE’s statement at the United Nations concerning the three islands, which the UAE describes as occupied by Iran.

He described Velayati’s criticism as “a political position refuted by the facts and documents” on which the UAE bases its assertion of sovereignty over the islands.

Gargash’s remarks paired a rejection of the Iranian adviser’s position with an emphasis on a peaceful settlement, maintaining the UAE’s claim to the islands while reiterating its preferred approach to resolving the dispute.