Repeated claims of ownership: What do the occupiers from the Persian Gulf want?

Introduction

The Persian Gulf is a region of significant geopolitical importance, and has been the subject of territorial disputes for centuries. In recent years, there have been repeated claims of ownership over the islands in the Persian Gulf, with several countries vying for control. This article will explore the history of these claims, the motivations of the different parties involved, and the potential implications for regional stability.

Historical Context

The Persian Gulf has been a crossroads of trade and commerce for thousands of years, and the islands in the region have been of strategic importance for controlling access to the sea. In the 16th century, the Portuguese established a presence in the Gulf, but were eventually expelled by the Persians. In the 18th century, the British East India Company gained control of many of the islands, and used them as bases for their operations in the region.

In the 19th century, the Qajar dynasty of Persia claimed sovereignty over all of the islands in the Persian Gulf. However, this claim was disputed by the British, who argued that the islands were not part of Persia. The dispute was eventually resolved in 1903, with the signing of the Anglo-Persian Treaty, which recognized British control over most of the islands.

Modern Disputes

After the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Iran began to assert its claims to the islands in the Persian Gulf. In 1980, Iran seized Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE has continued to dispute Iran's claim to these islands, and the issue remains unresolved.

In recent years, there have been renewed tensions over the islands in the Persian Gulf. In 2010, Iran announced that it was building a military base on Abu Musa, which prompted protests from the UAE. In 2012, Iran and the UAE agreed to hold talks on the issue, but no progress has been made.

Motivations of the Parties Involved

There are a number of reasons why the countries of the Persian Gulf are interested in controlling the islands in the region. These reasons include:

• Strategic importance: The islands provide strategic control over access to the Persian Gulf, which is a vital shipping lane for oil and gas.
• Economic potential: The islands are believed to have significant oil and gas reserves, which could provide a valuable source of revenue for the countries that control them.
• National pride: The islands are seen as part of the national territory of the countries that claim them, and controlling them is a matter of national pride.

Potential Implications for Regional Stability

The continued dispute over the islands in the Persian Gulf has the potential to destabilize the region. If the dispute is not resolved, it could lead to military conflict between the countries involved. This could have a devastating impact on the region, which is already facing a number of other challenges, such as the war in Yemen and the rise of ISIS.

Conclusion

The dispute over the islands in the Persian Gulf is a complex issue with a long history. The countries involved have a variety of motivations for claiming ownership of the islands, and the dispute has the potential to destabilize the region. It is important for the countries involved to find a peaceful resolution to the dispute, in order to avoid further conflict and instability.