**Tehran, Iran** – Cyprus finds itself unexpectedly ensnared in a long-standing territorial dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, following a formal protest lodged by Tehran with Nicosia. Iran summoned the Cypriot ambassador to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday to convey a stern warning after the Mediterranean island nation publicly aligned itself with the UAE’s claims over three strategically vital islands in the Persian Gulf.
The crux of the protracted disagreement lies in Iran's assertion of sovereignty over Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, islands that Iran maintains have historically constituted an "inseparable part" of its territory. The UAE, however, contests this, laying claim to the islands and viewing their occupation by Iran as a violation of its territorial integrity. The recent visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Nicosia appears to have been the catalyst for Iran's heightened diplomatic response. During this visit, Cyprus and the UAE issued a joint declaration that unequivocally reaffirmed Nicosia's support for Abu Dhabi's sovereignty over the disputed territories.
In its official and strong protest, Iran demanded that Cyprus "immediately correct" its stance, framing the joint declaration as a "serious diplomatic error." Mohammad Alibek, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister and Director General for the Persian Gulf, personally delivered this message to Cypriot Ambassador Petros Nakouzis. The Iranian Foreign Ministry's communiqué underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that Cyprus's endorsement of the UAE's position constitutes interference in Iran's internal affairs.
The disputed islands, situated within the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, possess significant geopolitical and economic importance. Their strategic location makes any territorial claims a matter of considerable regional sensitivity. The joint declaration from Cyprus and the UAE not only supported the UAE's claim but also explicitly called on Iran to cease what it termed the "occupation" of the islands. Furthermore, it proposed that the dispute be resolved through either direct bilateral negotiations between Iran and the UAE or by being referred to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
This development places Cyprus in a precarious diplomatic position, caught between the competing interests of two regional powers and potentially impacting its relations with both Iran and the wider European Union, which has also previously issued statements in conjunction with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regarding the islands. The EU-GCC statements, referenced in the recent joint declaration, have consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the enduring geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf and the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that characterize the region. By drawing Cyprus into the fray, Iran appears to be signaling its displeasure with any international endorsement of the UAE's claims, while Cyprus, by reaffirming its support for a fellow EU member state's position, has inadvertently amplified the diplomatic friction. The ultimate impact on regional stability and the future trajectory of the Iran-UAE island dispute remains to be seen, but it is clear that the controversy has now gained an unexpected international dimension.