TEHRAN – In response to ongoing territorial disputes in the Persian Gulf, the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian parliament has announced the formation of a specialized committee to oversee issues related to its disputed islands, including calls for the return of Ariana and Zarkoh, which are under the United Arab Emirates’ administration.

on Saturday, Ebrahim Rezaee, spokesperson for the committee, outlined Iran's intent to solidify its position over Bu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, which historically belonged to the country.

In a recent meeting with members of the National Security Commission, Commander Ali Reza Tangsiri of Iran’s Navy provided a briefing on the current security and defense status of the Persian Gulf region, emphasizing Iran’s fortified presence in response to what he described as foreign threats. According to Rezaee, Commander Tangsiri assured the commission that Iran’s naval forces have established a robust defensive structure to protect against any attempts to undermine Iranian territory.

Rezaee emphasized that based on historical and legal evidence, these three islands have long belonged to Iran—a position, he noted, that international bodies, including the United Nations, have acknowledged. "The three islands belong to Iran," Rezaee stated, “and international bodies confirm this with documented evidence.”

In 1971, shortly before the British withdrawal and the formal establishment of UAE, Iran regained control of these three islands, citing historical Persian claims in the region.

While reaffirming Iran's stance on Bu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, Rezaee suggested there could be room for negotiation regarding two other islands in the region: Ariana and Zarkoh. "We are open to discussing the return of Ariana and Zarkoh," he explained, describing these as historically Iranian islands currently under the United Arab Emirates’ administration. 

According to Rezaee, Ariana and Zarkoh were occupied by the British since 1921 and later handed over to the UAE, despite historical records showing their identification as Iranian territories. Rezaee referred to early 20th-century British maps that identify these islands—and much of the Persian Gulf coastline—as belonging to Iran, making a case for Iran’s legal ownership of both islands.