A top aide of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned the Gulf states that they “should not play with Tehran’s red lines” regarding the three disputed islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. The islands, which have been under Iranian control since 1971, are claimed by the UAE, leading to tensions between the nations.
Ali Shamkhani, the representative of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the National Defense Council, made the remarks in response to the recent statement issued by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). He wrote on the X platform that the GCC's claims regarding the three islands, as well as the Durra gas field, were "unconstructive."
The six-member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council reiterated, in the final statement of their meeting in Bahrain, their previous position on the three islands, describing Iran’s “continued occupation” of these islands, stressing that they “belong to the UAE.” These countries reiterated their demand that Tehran respond to Abu Dhabi's demands to resolve the dispute over ownership of the islands through direct negotiations, or by resorting to the International Court of Justice. The council also appreciated the European Union’s previous positions that described the three islands as “belonging to the UAE”.
In his sharp-worded attack, Shamkhani accused some Gulf states of providing "various forms of support" to the United States and Israel during the 12-day war. "During the 12-day war, Iran exercised restraint despite some support for the aggression. Iran's strength in the Gulf should not be misinterpreted; the role of neighbors is to create security, not to play with the Iranian people's red lines,” he said.
The Dorra oil field, shared by Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, has also become a point of contention between Tehran and the Gulf states. The field's reserves are estimated at approximately 220 billion cubic meters, or seven trillion cubic feet. In August 2023, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Kingdom and Kuwait are the “exclusive owners” of these reserves.