Iran-UAE Dispute and Its Impact on Strait of Hormuz and Global Oil Trade

Abu Musa Island is once again in the international headlines amid increasing military tension in West Asia. this little island Iran It has long been a center of dispute between the United Arab Emirates and the United Arab Emirates, but due to the increasing conflict in the region in March 2026, the island has now become an important center of global energy security and military strategy.

According to media reports, on March 14, 2026, Iran claimed that American missiles had hit Abu Musa Island and Attack on Kharg Island Have done. After this, Iran gave a stern warning and said that if UAE cities, ports or military bases are used to attack Iran, then it will target American military facilities present in UAE.

Where is Abu Musa Island located

  • Abu Musa is a small but very strategic island located in the Persian Gulf.
  • It is located on the eastern side of the Persian Gulf near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Its distance from the coast of Iran is about 75 km.
  • It is about 60 km from Sharjah of UAE.
  • Its total area is about 12.8 square kilometers.

Why is Abu Musa Island so important?

The importance of Abu Musa Island is mainly due to its strategic location.

1. Control over global shipping routes

Large oil tankers and cargo ships passing through the Persian Gulf pass through this area. Controlling the island means keeping an eye on the world’s most important maritime oil routes.

2. Global Energy Security

Every day about 20 million barrels of oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. If there is any kind of obstruction here, the entire world’s oil supply may be affected.

3. Military importance

Iran has maintained a strong presence of its navy and air force on this island. This gives it a strategic edge in the entire Gulf region.

The dispute is decades old

The controversy regarding this island is not new. Just before Britain’s withdrawal from the Gulf region in 1971, an agreement was signed between Iran and Sharjah, which called for joint administration… but in November of the same year, Iran occupied the island. Iran has had complete control over it since 1992, while the UAE considers it an illegal occupation.

Apart from Abu Musa, which other islands became flashpoints?

Apart from Abu Musa, many other islands in the Gulf region are also the center of tension at this time. It includes the Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb islands, which were captured by Iran in 1971. Apart from this, Qeshm Island has also become a flash point. It is the largest island in the Persian Gulf. Iran has built missile bases here. Hormuz Island and Larak Island, which are located at the mouth of the strait and where Iran’s naval activities remain intense.

Why did tension increase in March 2026?

According to recent reports, a situation of military conflict has arisen in the Gulf region between America and Iran. Iran alleges that its islands were attacked by American Tomahawk missiles. Iran has warned that if the military bases of Gulf countries are used against it, then it can target the oil bases and ports of these countries.

Why is this crisis important for India?

  • This situation is also very important for India, because more than 60% of India’s crude oil comes through this route.
  • Millions of Indians work in Gulf countries.
  • If the Strait of Hormuz is closed, oil prices may increase rapidly and inflation in India may have a major impact.
  • According to experts, if this crisis deepens, global oil prices may reach 150 to 200 dollars per barrel.

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