UAE postpones GCC emergency meeting until today

The United Arab Emirates has postponed the emergency meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council states, convening to discuss Iranian military exercises near three islands which are under dispute, until today after having been scheduled for Wednesday.

The UAE news agency said the participants in the meeting will discuss the Iranian actions toward the disputed islands and the military exercises Iran carries out in the Gulf, but the agency did not mention reasons behind postponing the meeting.

Iranian naval forces on Saturday started maneuvers which will last for nine days near the islands of Greater Tanb, Lesser Tanb and Abu Mousa, three islands which are under dispute with the United Arab Emirates.

Units from the Iranian naval forces will join these maneuvers which are named "Fateh 77."

Earlier, the UAE lodged a complaint to the UN after Iran recently inaugurated a municipal council at Abu Mousa island. Meanwhile it was announced, Air forces from the Gulf Cooperation Council member states are holding a one-week maneuvers in the United Arab Emirates.