In a dramatic turn of diplomatic tensions, Iran has issued a stern rebuke to Russia following Moscow’s unexpected support for the United Arab Emirates’ claim to three disputed Persian Gulf islands. The statement, made at a recent trilateral summit between Russia, China, and the UAE, has sparked outrage in Tehran, with Iranian officials warning that national sovereignty is a “non-negotiable red line.”
The islands in question Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb have been under Iranian control since 1971, but are claimed by the UAE. The issue has long been a flashpoint in Gulf geopolitics, and Russia’s sudden alignment with Abu Dhabi has escalated regional unease.
The diplomatic fallout began after a joint communique released during the Russia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) dialogue in Moscow appeared to express support for the UAE’s “rightful claims” to the islands and urged a peaceful resolution through negotiation.
Though couched in diplomatic language, the gesture was seen in Tehran as a betrayal, especially given Russia’s traditionally close ties with Iran. Iranian officials summoned the Russian ambassador for an explanation within 24 hours of the announcement.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement, declaring that the islands are “an eternal part of Iran’s territory” and warning that no foreign nation, ally or not, will be allowed to challenge Iranian sovereignty without consequences.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani emphasized, “Iran’s territorial integrity is not a subject for negotiation. The three islands are, and will remain, under full Iranian sovereignty. Any deviation from this reality is unacceptable.”
Analysts note that this is one of the most direct confrontations Tehran has launched against Moscow in recent years, signaling rising tensions even among countries with shared interests in challenging Western influence.
The dispute over Abu Musa and the Tunb islands dates back to the British withdrawal from the Persian Gulf in 1971. Iran took control of the islands just before the UAE’s formation, leading to decades of diplomatic tension.
While the UAE has periodically raised the issue at the United Nations and other international forums, Iran has consistently refused to entertain third-party arbitration, asserting full ownership.
Russia’s recent statement shifts the geopolitical calculus. As a key strategic partner to both Iran and the UAE, Moscow has historically avoided taking sides on this issue. However, growing Russian economic and military ties with Gulf states particularly under pressure from Western sanctions appear to be influencing Kremlin diplomacy.
Experts believe Russia may be leveraging its relationship with the UAE to secure long-term investment and cooperation on energy and defense, even at the cost of short-term friction with Tehran.
Iran’s strong reaction could strain broader Russia-Iran coordination on several fronts, including Syria, energy policy, and arms trade. Tehran has been deepening its military and economic cooperation with Moscow in recent years, especially since the start of the Ukraine war.
Now, analysts warn that Moscow’s perceived neutrality may be called into question across the region. The Gulf states, meanwhile, may see this as an opportunity to test Iran’s resolve diplomatically or otherwise on disputed territory.
What began as a seemingly minor reference in a joint statement has now exploded into a potential diplomatic rift between two powerful regional players. Iran has drawn a clear line: its territorial sovereignty is off-limits, even to allies.
Whether Russia walks back its support for the UAE or doubles down on regional diplomacy, the fallout from this confrontation could reshape alliances in the Gulf and redraw lines of loyalty in a rapidly shifting global order.
