Tehran claims the UAE has agreed to peacefully resolve the long-standing dispute between the two countries over the ownership of three islands in the Gulf.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told Iranian media that UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan made the move towards resolving the issue at a recent meeting between GCC foreign ministers in Riyadh.

Mehmanparast says that the UAE and Iran will “peacefully resolve the issue of the three islands”. The UAE has not confirmed this claim.

The islands in question are Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb. Both the UAE and Iran lay claim to islands, although Abu Musa was previously under the authority of Sharjah.

Iran also warns that the UAE’s construction of the Palm islands will further complicate the disputed territory and waters in the Gulf.