Irani World Dissolves UAE Regional Hub and Relocates Operations to Oman

History Cannot Be Rewritten: WPS Responds to UAE Territorial Claims and the 2026 Iran Conflict

The Worldwide Persian Society (WPS), as the governing and supporting organization behind the development of the Irani World platform, has decided to dissolve its planned regional unit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and relocate its regional management center to Oman.

This decision follows the recent military conflict involving Iran, the UAE government's repeated claims over Iran's three Persian Gulf islands, political support expressed by certain countries for these claims, and official Iranian reports alleging the use of UAE territory and airspace in military operations against Iran.

This decision is not merely a geographical relocation or an administrative restructuring. Rather, it represents the outcome of a fundamental reassessment of Irani World's regional policies and international cooperation strategy.

The Worldwide Persian Society expresses its deep dissatisfaction with the UAE government's recent policies and maintains that economic cooperation and the development of international relations cannot continue without respect for territorial integrity, national sovereignty, mutual respect, and the security of nations.

Iran's Three Islands: A History That Predates the Establishment of the UAE

The islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb are strategically important territories in the Persian Gulf and form an essential part of Iran's territorial sovereignty as recognized and defended by the Worldwide Persian Society.

Iran has long maintained its historical sovereignty claims over these islands. Historical documents demonstrate that questions of sovereignty and disputes concerning the islands existed decades before the United Arab Emirates was established.

During the early twentieth century, when Britain exercised significant political and military influence in the Persian Gulf, the administration and control of these islands became a source of disagreement between Iran, Britain, and the rulers of the southern Persian Gulf coast.

Iran formally protested actions that it considered violations of its sovereign rights over these territories.

On November 30, 1971, Iran took control of Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb. Under a memorandum of understanding between Iran and Sharjah, negotiated with British involvement, Iranian forces were also stationed on Abu Musa.

Just two days later, on December 2, 1971, the United Arab Emirates was officially established as a country.

Historical records preserved by the United States Department of State further confirm that the sovereignty questions and competing historical claims concerning these islands existed long before the formation of the UAE.

The Worldwide Persian Society (WPS) firmly considers Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb inseparable parts of Iranian territory and categorically rejects the UAE government's claims of sovereignty over these islands.

From WPS's perspective, the UAE government's continued political efforts to challenge Iranian sovereignty over these islands are unacceptable and contrary to the principles of good-neighborly relations.

The history of these islands did not begin in 1971. Repeated political declarations cannot erase their historical background or invalidate the sovereign rights consistently asserted by Iran.

Iran's Three Islands: History Cannot Be Rewritten

Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb have long been central to Iran's historical sovereignty claims in the Persian Gulf.

Historical records demonstrate that disputes concerning these islands existed decades before the UAE was established on December 2, 1971.

On November 30, 1971, Iran took control of Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb and stationed forces on Abu Musa under an agreement with Sharjah, just two days before the UAE's formation.

WPS firmly recognizes all three islands as integral parts of Iranian territory and rejects the UAE government's sovereignty claims.

A revealing historical comparison further illustrates the difference in institutional age: the Tavakoli Match Factory in Tabriz, Iran, was established in approximately 1918, around 53 years before the UAE became a country.

While the UAE has achieved substantial economic development through international investment, trade, and infrastructure, economic prosperity alone cannot establish territorial sovereignty.

History cannot be purchased with wealth, rewritten through skyscrapers, or changed by political declarations.

Canada, UAE Statement Raises Further Concerns

On October 28, 2026, Canada and the UAE issued a joint statement supporting the UAE's territorial claims over Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb.

WPS strongly objects to this position and considers such political declarations damaging to regional trust and constructive international relations.

The organization maintains its position in support of Iranian sovereignty over the three islands.

The 2026 Conflict and Allegations Concerning UAE Airspace

The 2026 military conflict has significantly influenced WPS's regional decisions.

In a formal communication submitted to the United Nations, identified as S/2026/341, Iran alleged that US military aircraft used UAE airspace for reconnaissance and military operations against Iranian targets.

The submission describes specific alleged movements involving American F-35 and F-18 fighter aircraft and reconnaissance platforms during March 2026.

WPS regards these officially documented allegations as extremely serious and expresses deep concern over the possibility that neighboring territory or airspace was used to facilitate attacks against Iran.

The organization believes that regional economic cooperation must be accompanied by respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the security of neighboring countries.

Official Decision: UAE Hub Dissolved, Oman Selected

The UAE was originally intended to manage and coordinate Irani World's activities across much of Asia outside Iran.

Following its strategic review, WPS has approved the following changes:

1. Dissolution of the planned UAE regional management unit.
2. Cancellation of plans to establish a regional leadership hub in the UAE.
3. Selection of Oman as the new regional management headquarters.
4. Renaming Irani UAE / Emirates to Irani Persian Gulf.
5. Development of the new regional hub in Oman.
   

These decisions are final.

The changes concern organizational management, not membership eligibility. Iranian professionals, entrepreneurs, and residents in the UAE will continue to have access to the Irani World platform.

Oman: The New Persian Gulf Headquarters

Oman has demonstrated a diplomatic approach emphasizing regional dialogue, stability, and peaceful conflict resolution.

In February 2026, Oman's Foreign Ministry expressed regret over US and Israeli military operations against Iran and called for an immediate end to hostilities.

WPS has selected Oman to lead the newly structured Irani Persian Gulf regional network, supporting Iranian professionals, businesses, investors, and international economic cooperation.

US and Canada Hubs Under Strategic Review

In response to the recent conflict and changing international circumstances, WPS is also reviewing the management structure of its US and Canadian hubs.

One proposal would transfer strategic and executive management of both hubs to Irani World's European regional unit, while retaining local coordination offices in the United States and Canada.

A final decision will be announced following further organizational review.

Final Statement: A New Regional Direction

Irani World was established to connect Iranian communities worldwide, encourage entrepreneurship, support professional cooperation, and strengthen international business networks.

However, economic opportunities cannot be separated from organizational values, mutual respect, national sovereignty, and regional security.

WPS expresses its profound disappointment over the UAE government's territorial positions and the serious allegations arising from the 2026 conflict.

The decision to discontinue the UAE regional hub and establish a new headquarters in Oman represents a significant change in Irani World's international development strategy.

History cannot be rewritten, and respect for a nation's territory cannot be exchanged for short-term economic interests.

Worldwide Persian Society (WPS)
https://www.wps.community

Irani World Platform
https://irani.world

References

1. US Department of State – Historical Documents (1971)
   Historical documentation concerning Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb.
   https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76v24/d110
   
2. UAE Government – Official Country Facts
   Establishment of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971.
   https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/fact-sheet
   
3. Tavakoli Match Factory – Historical Background
   Historical account of the factory's establishment in Tabriz in 1918.
   https://iranboom.ir/nam-avaran/49-bozorgan/17240-nekodasht-mohandes-tavakoli-9706.html
   
4. Government of Canada – Canada–UAE Joint Statement (October 28, 2026)
   Official statement addressing the three disputed Persian Gulf islands.
   https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2026/10/28/joint-statement-prime-minister-mark-carney-and-his-highness-sheikh
   
5. United Nations – Document S/2026/341
   Iran's official allegations regarding the use of regional airspace during military operations.
   https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4110916
   
6. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman – February 28, 2026
   Oman's official statement concerning military operations against Iran and the need for diplomacy.
   https://www.fm.gov.om/en/38110/