Tehran Operational Command Issues Stern Military Warning to United Arab Emirates Over Disputed Gulf Islands

Tehran warns the UAE of heavy strikes on Ras Al Khaimah if attacks continue against the disputed islands of Abu Musa and Greater Tunb in the Persian Gulf.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 5:11 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel.

Escalation in the Strategic Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s central military command has issued a direct ultimatum to the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant intensification of regional friction amidst the ongoing Middle East war. The Khatam Al-Anbiya operational command released a statement through the Tasnim news agency warning that any further military activity originating from UAE soil against Iranian-controlled islands would meet a severe response. According to reports from AFP, the Iranian military specifically identified the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah as a potential target for heavy strikes. This development places renewed focus on the strategic entrance to the Persian Gulf, a corridor that traditionally facilitates the passage of approximately 20% of the world's global oil supply.

The Long-Standing Dispute Over Gulf Territories

At the heart of this specific confrontation are the islands of Abu Musa and Greater Tunb, which are currently under Iranian administration but are claimed by the United Arab Emirates. These territories have served as a persistent flashpoint in bilateral relations for decades, though the current war has transformed a diplomatic disagreement into a high-stakes military theater. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has previously utilized these islands for large-scale naval drills, often deploying speedboats to demonstrate control over the surrounding waters. As the broader conflict continues to destabilize marine traffic, the sovereignty of these outposts has become a central pillar of Tehran’s maritime defense strategy against what it perceives as Western-aligned incursions.

Allegations of Regional Complicity in Western Strikes

Tehran has repeatedly accused its Gulf neighbors of facilitating the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign that began on February 28. Iranian officials contend that Gulf states are allowing foreign forces to utilize their sovereign territory and airspace to launch precision strikes against the Islamic Republic’s assets. In retaliation, Iran has already initiated several salvos of missile and drone attacks throughout the war, claiming these actions are directed at "U.S. interests" embedded within these nations. This narrative of regional betrayal is being used by the Iranian military to justify the expansion of its target list to include civilian and industrial centers within the Emirates if the perceiv...