[3] Due to the depth of sea, oil tankers and big ships have to pass between Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs, making these islands some of the most strategic points in the Persian Gulf.

After the UK announced in 1968 that it would end its administrative and military positions in the Persian Gulf, Iran moved to reattach the island politically to the mainland.

"By agreeing to the pact, the tiny emirate prevented an invasion by Iran, which two days earlier had taken two other disputed islands, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, which were even smaller and uninhabited.

[19] The UAE took its sovereignty claim over Abu Musa and the two Tunb islands to a meeting of the United Nations Security Council of 9 December 1971.

[20][21] Iraq (Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr era),[22] Kuwait,[23] Algeria,[24] South Yemen[24] and Libya[24] held the view that the territory rightfully belongs to the UAE.

[31] Saddam Hussein attempted to justify the Iran–Iraq War by claiming that one of the objectives was to "liberate" Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the Persian Gulf.

In 1992, Iran expelled "foreign" workers who operated the UAE-sponsored school, medical clinic, and power-generating station.

UAE citizens living on the island allegedly face "great difficulties" with the lack of proper clinics and schools.

[39] In addition, Iran allegedly delays or blocks UAE's school and medical supplies from entering the island.

The Island has warm to hot weather throughout the year, with all months averaging above 20 °C (68 °F), almost all of the annual precipitation falls during the winter season.