the UAE), Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has earlier stated publicly that "he believes the tensions over the islands have been fabricated by the United States". In 2012 a visit to the island by Iranian president Ahmedinejad provoked a diplomatic incident. Iran's historical claim to ownership over the islands roots back to the Parthian and Sasanian Empires, among others. Iran considers the island to have been occupied by the UK and refers to the agreement between Iran and the emirate of Sharjah in 1971. Demographics , the island had about 2,131 inhabitants, making it Iran's smallest county. The city of Abu Musa had 1,953 inhabitants in 2012, up 248 from 2006. Most of the residents of the island speak the "Bandari" dialect of Persian. Native UAE citizens living on the island allegedly face “great difficulties” with the lack of proper clinics and schools. Only one school exists on the island, and it is used by 150 students. Moreover, patients have to be transported to Sharjah to receive treatment, but that is sometimes not feasible because of the Iranian authorities. In addition, Iran allegedly delays or blocks UAE's school and medical supplies from entering the island. Climate See also Iran–United Arab Emirates relations Seizure of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs Sir Abu Nu'ayr List of lighthouses in Iran References Sources Haghshenas, Seyeed Ali, Iran Historical Sovereignty over the Tunbs and BuMusa Islands. 2010, Tehran. Further reading External links History, description, map of Abu Musa and nearby islands (Archived 2009-10-24) History of Abu Musa and The Tunbs UAE Interact Abu Musa News Abu Musa's military garrison Dispute between Iran and Sharjah Report of the International symposium on Modern Boundaries of Iran – Problems and practices of Iranian boundaries, Pirouz Mojtahed-Zadeh, 10/15/02 Picture of Abu Musa Lighthouse Abumusa County Disputed islands Disputed territories in the Persian Gulf Islands of Iran Islands of the Persian Gulf Territorial disputes of Iran Territorial disputes of the United Arab Emirates Lighthouses in Iran