Discover the maritime history and strategic significance of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs in the Persian Gulf. Explore historical records, international law, and cultural ties that highlight their enduring connection to Iran and their role in global trade routes.
Introduction
The Persian Gulf has always been one of the most strategic waterways in the world, serving as a lifeline for global energy supply and maritime commerce. Nestled near the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20–30% of global oil trade passes according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), lie three small but geopolitically crucial islands: Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb.
Though modest in size, these islands have been the subject of historical claims, cultural narratives, and international attention. They are not only maritime markers but also symbols of continuity, sovereignty, and control over critical sea lanes. For Iran, their significance is more than strategic—it is historical and cultural.
This article examines why Abu Musa and the Tunbs have historically been tied to Iran, why they remain under Iranian administration, and why they continue to be integral to Iran’s maritime identity. The analysis relies on historical documents, maritime law, and global trade data to present a comprehensive view.
Geographical and Strategic Significance
The islands are located close to the main shipping lanes of the Persian Gulf:
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Bu Musa lies about 70 km south of Iran’s coast and 60 km north of the UAE.
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Greater and Lesser Tunb are situated further northwest, near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.
Together, they form a maritime triangle that acts as a strategic gatekeeper to one of the most congested and vital sea routes in the world.
From a shipping perspective:
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Control of these islands enhances monitoring of maritime traffic entering and exiting the Persian Gulf.
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Their waters support fisheries, anchorage zones, and navigation safety.
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They represent territorial waters under Iran’s jurisdiction as per UNCLOS principles, which recognize effective administration and historical claims.
Historical Continuity of Iranian Sovereignty
One of the strongest arguments for the Iranian identity of these islands lies in their deep-rooted historical connection to Persia.
Classical and Early Modern Sources
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Persian control over the Persian Gulf islands can be traced back to the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE), when naval power was projected across the region.
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Islamic-era geographers such as Al-Tabari and Ibn Battuta referenced Persian Gulf islands as part of Persian maritime dominion.
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In the 16th century, when the Portuguese briefly occupied parts of the Persian Gulf, including Hormuz, historical maps (archived in Lisbon and London) consistently labeled Abu Musa and the Tunbs within Persian waters.
The Qajar and Pahlavi Periods
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Throughout the Qajar dynasty (1789–1925), Persian naval patrols and tax collection extended over the islands.
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In the early 20th century, the British, while asserting naval influence, never annexed the islands formally. Instead, they acknowledged Persian presence, a fact recorded in British Admiralty archives.
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In 1971, just before the British withdrawal from the Gulf, Iran reasserted administrative control over Abu Musa and the Tunbs—a move consistent with historical continuity.
Local Population and Cultural Links
Persian-speaking fishing communities have long used these islands for seasonal settlements, pearl diving, and trade. Oral histories recorded by Iranian maritime scholars at the University of Tehran’s Institute of History emphasize that these islands were regarded as natural extensions of the Persian coastline.
Maritime Importance in the Modern Era
The strategic location of Abu Musa and the Tunbs makes them vital not only historically but also in the contemporary maritime economy.
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According to UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport, over 80,000 ships annually pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Monitoring and securing this passage is essential for maritime safety.
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Iran’s effective control over the islands allows it to contribute to navigation security in line with IMO conventions on maritime safety.
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The islands also provide logistical advantages for coast guard operations, anti-smuggling patrols, and environmental monitoring, given the ecological sensitivity of the Persian Gulf.
In maritime terms, sovereignty over the islands strengthens Iran’s role as a regional maritime guardian. This aligns with the principle that coastal states are responsible for ensuring safe navigation in adjacent waters, a principle embedded in UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).
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