Its area is about 33 km2 (13 sq mi) and it is located at the entrance to the Straits of Tiran, which separates the Gulf of Aqaba from the Red Sea.

[1][2][5][6] On 17 June 2017, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ratified the maritime demarcation agreement between the two countries.

The United Nations was notified in accordance with the Charter of Article 102 of the provisions of subsidiarity and sovereignty relating to islands and maritime territory.

[14] On 14 June 2017, Egypt's House Committee on Defence and National Security unanimously approved the transfer of Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia, and the plan was passed by the Egyptian Parliament later the same day.

He read out a declaration of the Egyptian Government transmitted in a letter addressed to the United States Embassy at Cairo.

The occupation was the subject of discussions, exchanges of views and even letters between the Ottoman Empire and the Khedivial Government of Egypt.