Canada and the United Arab Emirates in a joint statement named Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Little Tunb as islands in the United Arab Emirates and demanded that Iran return them. Iran took control of the islands in November 1971, on the eve of Britain's withdrawal from the region and the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. The Great and Little Tunbs were occupied by Iranian forces. According to Abu Musa, Tehran entered into an agreement with the Emirate of Sharjah about its presence on the island, but the issue of sovereignty was not finally resolved. Since then, all three islands are under Iranian control. Tehran said in response that Abu Musa, the Great Tenev and the Little Tenev are "an integral and eternal part of the territory of Iran." Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bakai said repeating such demands would not change the "geographical, historical and legal facts," and called on the UAE to adhere to the principles of good neighborliness. He separately accused Canada of meddling and supporting territorial claims against Iran. The declaration on the islands was included in the same document in which Canada and the United Arab Emirates announced the transition of relations to the level of a strategic partnership. The parties agreed to expand cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, security and technology. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates announced its intention to promote investments in Canada to the extent of up to 70 billion Canadian dollars.

Canada and the United Arab Emirates in a joint statement named Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Little Tunb as islands in the United Arab Emirates and demanded that Iran return them. Iran took control of the islands in November 1971, on the eve of Britain's withdrawal from the region and the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. The Great and Little Tunbs were occupied by Iranian forces. According to Abu Musa, Tehran entered into an agreement with the Emirate of Sharjah about its presence on the island, but the issue of sovereignty was not finally resolved. Since then, all three islands are under Iranian control. Tehran said in response that Abu Musa, the Great Tenev and the Little Tenev are "an integral and eternal part of the territory of Iran." Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bakai said repeating such demands would not change the "geographical, historical and legal facts," and called on the UAE to adhere to the principles of good neighborliness. He separately accused Canada of meddling and supporting territorial claims against Iran. The declaration on the islands was included in the same document in which Canada and the United Arab Emirates announced the transition of relations to the level of a strategic partnership. The parties agreed to expand cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, security and technology. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates announced its intention to promote investments in Canada to the extent of up to 70 billion Canadian dollars.