On January 5, 2026, the Saudi state-owned news outlet Ajel published a map that identifies the disputed islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa as Iranian territory. This marks the first instance in which Saudi Arabia has officially recognized these islands, which are also claimed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as belonging to Iran.
The map"s publication has drawn attention due to the longstanding territorial dispute between Iran and the UAE over these strategic islands in the Persian Gulf. The recognition of the islands as Iranian by a Saudi source is significant, as it reflects a shift in the narrative surrounding the territorial claims in the region.
For further context on regional tensions, India has recently advised its nationals against travel to Iran, highlighting ongoing concerns in the area. Additionally, recent developments in Venezuela showcase how geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve across different regions.
Image for Saudi Ajel map shows Iran-UAE disputed islands as Iranian for first time
