Gulf Leaders Discuss UAE-Iran Island Dispute

Foreign ministers of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council are holding an emergency meeting in Doha Tuesday to discuss an ongoing territorial dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, which some believe could pose a threat to international security.

The talks follow a visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Abu Musa, a Persian Gulf island occupied by Iran, but also claimed by the UAE. Iranian state media said Ahmadinejad traveled to the disputed territory last week to deal with domestic issues. Abu Musa is one of three islands claimed by both Iran and the UAE that lie near the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic channel through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies are shipped. Iran threatened to close the strait earlier this year in response to sanctions targeting its nuclear program. Analysts say, if it were to carry out the threat, it would likely use troops stationed on Abu Musa.