Iran set to develop three Persian Gulf isles ‘with no strings attached’: MP
‘Trio islands have been part of Iran before many Persian Gulf states came into existence’
By Sadeq Dehqan & Reza Abesh Ahmadlou
Staff writers
A member of the Planning, Budget, and Audit Committee of Iran’s Parliament announced that the development of the three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf has become a priority, stressing that negligence and restrictions have previously hindered the development of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Bu Musa islands.
“Over the years, some claims about the ownership of the three islands have emerged. In response, we refrained from developing the islands to avoid fueling sensitivities over this matter. However, going forward, we will no longer allow such restrictions to hamper development,” Abdolkarim Hashemi said in an interview with Iran Daily.
The lawmaker emphasized that Bu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb are small but strategically vital islands located in Hormuzgan Province near the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route in the Persian Gulf. “These islands play a crucial role in maritime navigation and trade,” he said.
Highlighting Iran’s historical sovereignty over the three Persian Gulf islands, Hashemi stated, “These islands have been part of Iran since ancient times, including during the reigns of major Iranian empires such as the Achaemenids and Sasanians. This was long before many Persian Gulf nations even came into existence.”
He elaborated that the three islands are part of Hormuzgan’s 14 islands. “Development plans must extend to all of these islands,” he said, pointing to successful investment and infrastructure projects in other regional islands such as Qeshm and Kish.
Hashemi placed a premium on providing similar facilities such as amenities for residents, tourism infrastructure, and commercial opportunities for the three islands.
Hashemi noted that past hesitation to develop these islands stemmed from a desire to avoid provoking disputes over their sovereignty. “This approach must change. Like other islands, the three islands should benefit from development projects, including job creation and enhanced services for their residents,” he said.
Reaffirming that the islands are an integral part of Iran, the MP said, “Iran’s sovereignty over these islands is absolute and undisputed. Any minor issues raised in this regard will be addressed regionally. However, there is no doubt neither for Iran nor the global community that these islands belong to Iran.”
“Hashemi acknowledged that the far distance of the three islands from Iran’s mainland has contributed to slower development compared to closer islands like Qeshm and Kish. Improved transportation infrastructure is essential to accelerate development on these islands,” he stated.
While air and sea transport options currently exist, Hashemi emphasized the need to enhance these services for easier access for both locals and visitors.
The three islands have significant potential for tourism and recreation due to their warm and humid climate, especially during colder seasons when other parts of the country experience cold weather. “With their unique environment and beautiful shores, these islands can become a main destination for travelers,” the parliamentarian said.
He also pointed to future opportunities for economic and industrial development on the islands, suggesting they could host diverse industrial and commercial projects.
In the current situation, these islands have better capacities in the field of tourism, but in the future, they can be leveraged economically and industrially as various industrial and commercial projects can be implemented there, the lawmaker concluded.