Iran Claims Expansion of Maritime Boundary, Allegedly Includes Parts of UAE Coastal Areas

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Iran has claimed that it has expanded its maritime jurisdiction, reportedly incorporating some coastal areas of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into its newly declared sea boundaries.
According to Iranian authorities, a new maritime map has been issued showing an expanded territorial sea extending beyond the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman. The map allegedly includes key UAE coastal regions.
Iranian officials claim that parts of Fujairah and Khorfakkan—both strategically important ports in the UAE—now fall within its expanded maritime zone. These areas are considered vital as they lie along the Gulf of Oman and are used for bypassing the Strait of Hormuz for oil transportation during periods of regional tension.
Fujairah port, in particular, is regarded as a critical energy hub as it connects to the Abu Dhabi crude oil pipeline, allowing crude oil from inland fields to be exported directly from the Gulf of Oman.
Iranian sources stated that gaining control or influence over these ports could increase strategic pressure on the UAE in maritime operations. However, the claim has not been independently verified by any international or neutral source.
Meanwhile, UAE defence authorities reported that missiles, cruise missiles, and drones launched toward its territory were intercepted by air defence systems. Earlier reports also indicated that a drone attack on an oil port in Fujairah caused a fire and injured three foreign nationals.
UAE officials have described such incidents as a serious escalation of regional tensions and “unacceptable actions.” Unverified reports also suggested that Israeli defence systems were activated to intercept some of the attacks, while a South Korean commercial vessel was reportedly struck in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a fire. The United States has blamed Iran for the incident.
Responding to the situation, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran has no hostility toward regional countries, but alleged that US assets in the Gulf are being used against Iran. He stated that Iran’s actions are defensive responses to what it describes as US and Israeli aggression.
Iranian state media further quoted the spokesperson as saying that US military bases and logistical support in the region are contributing to instability. He added that the US military presence in the region is a source of insecurity rather than stability.