Tunbs

Tunbs is a collection of nine small islands located in the Arabian Gulf, situated near the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The islands are primarily divided between two groups: the Greater Tunb and the Lesser Tunb. They are strategically positioned near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil transportation.

Historically, the Tunbs have been an area of territorial dispute. The islands were once claimed by Persia (modern-day Iran) and the then-Trucial States, which later unified into the UAE. The majority of the islands, including Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb, have been administered by Iran since the 1970s, although the UAE has maintained claims over them.

The islands are sparsely populated, with Iran maintaining a military presence and some small civilian settlements. They are of geopolitical significance due to their location near vital shipping lanes and oil-rich regions. The territorial dispute over the Tunbs remains unresolved, with diplomatic efforts continuing between Iran and the UAE.

Economically, the islands are relatively undeveloped, with limited infrastructure. They do, however, hold potential for strategic military and economic interests owing to their proximity to major shipping routes and offshore oil fields.

In summary, the Tunbs are a group of islands with historical and ongoing territorial significance, located in a geopolitically sensitive area of the Arabian Gulf. The dispute over sovereignty continues to influence regional relations between Iran and the UAE.