Numerous international conflicts exist among different world nations, occasionally resulting in

serious escalation that results in the outbreak of destructive wars as in the cases of the Irani - Iraqi war,
the Gulf War, the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo, or the Arab-Israeli conflict. Some conflicts have resulted in
prolonged quasi-war situations as in the disputes over Kashmir and Cyprus. Many conflicts are also
resolved through legal and diplomatic means and forums as in the commercial disputes between the US
and the European Community.

Conflicts over territorial sovereignty tend to be more serious and threatening to world peace and order,
especially when they result in massive losses of human lives and property, the creation of refugee
situations, or political and national humiliation. The conflict between Iran and the UAE related to the
territorial sovereignty over the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, however, tend to
be an exception concerning other conflicts over territorial sovereignty.

The conflict between Iran and the United Arab Emirates related to sovereignty and jurisdiction
over the three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa has dominated the relations
between the two countries for more than three decades, and today, this conflict remains one major
obstacle to the development of international relations in the Gulf region.

The conflict is further complicated by the fact that it has political, cultural, historic and strategic
dimensions. Yet at the same time, this conflict is not an unstable dispute that could give any rise to the
use of force or to the outbreak of violent confrontation between the two parties involved. Accordingly,
peaceful diplomatic and political perspectives are highly expected to bring out a resolution in the end,
regardless of the difficulties that face such a prospect.