The United States voiced its support to the United Arab Emirates in its dispute with Iran over three Gulf islands in a meeting between President Barack Obama and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nuhayan

The United States voiced its support to the United Arab Emirates in its dispute with Iran over three Gulf islands in a meeting between President Barack Obama and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nuhayan.
  
The two leaders met for lunch at the White House and issued a joint call for a peaceful resolution of the status of the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb, claimed by both the Islamic Republic and the UAE.
  
A joint US and UAE statement issued after the meeting, which was closed to the press, said Obama and the prince "called for a peaceful resolution of the islands' status."
  
The United States "strongly supports the UAE's initiative to resolve the issue through direct negotiations, the International Court of Justice, or another appropriate international forum," the statement said.
  
Iran rejects any UAE claim to the islands, saying they have always been part of its territory.

Obama and Prince Nuhayan also called on Iran to “meet its international nuclear obligations” and backed UN envoy Kofi Annan's tattered plan designed to end crisis in Syria, calling for a “political transition” there.
  
"Noting the profound changes taking place in other countries in the Middle East, they called on governments and citizens alike to avoid violence, advance tolerance, and protect human rights -- particularly the rights of women," the statement said. "They highlighted the importance of reforms that support accountable governance, increase civic participation, and promote economic opportunities, especially for young people."

Obama and Prince Nuhayan also pledged to conduct more military exercises and training and to identify future military equipment sales.
  
"The President and Crown Prince discussed the importance of protecting critical shipping lanes against threats of aggression, terrorism, and piracy. "The President congratulated the Crown Prince on the announcement of the opening of a new 1.5 million (barrels per day) oil pipeline that crosses the UAE."

Iran Slams US Backing to UAE

Tehran on Thursday condemned the United States for backing the United Arab Emirates in its dispute with Iran over Abu Musa islands, dubbing it "clear interference in Iran's domestic affairs." "The three islands of Abu Musa and Lesser and Greater Tunb have always been and always will be an inseparable part of Iranian soil. Interference by a third country is aimed sowing division and tension in the region," Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab-African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdolahian was quoted as saying by official media.
  
Iran "has always maintained that it is ready for constructive talks with all countries, including the Emirates, for boosting ties and cooperation," he added.