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UAE protests to the UN over Iran's office in disputed island

ABU DHABI - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has filed a complaint to the United Nations against Iran for establishing offices on disputed islands in Gulf waters, the official Emirates news agency reported on Friday.

The agency reported that the UAE government has sent a letter to UN Secreatary General Ban Ki-Moon protesting the Iranian move, which it regards as one that would negatively affect bilateral relations.

The islands of Abu Musa and the Lesser and Greater Tunbs, located near key shipping lanes in the Gulf, are controlled by Iran but claimed by the UAE.

Earlier in August, the UAE summoned Iran's charge d'affaires to protest Iran's establishment of maritime offices on the Abu Musa island and said the move should be reversed.

The UAE enjoys major Arab backing in the nearly three-decade-long dispute. The influential Gulf Cooperation Council has strongly denounced Iran's move, saying the islands belong to the UAE and were being 'occupied' by Iran.

An Arab League summit in Cairo in March pledged support for the UAE, calling for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

Despite the dispute, the two Gulf neighbours have strong trade ties and officials exchange visits.