Iran’s military on Saturday warned the United Arab Emirates not to allow any attacks from its territory targeting two disputed islands near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to a statement released through Tasnim News Agency, the operational command of Khatam al-Anbiya said that if aggression against Iran’s Abu Musa and Greater Tunb islands originates from UAE soil, Iran’s armed forces would launch strong strikes on Ras al-Khaimah in the UAE.

The Abu Musa and Greater Tunb islands have long been a source of dispute between Iran and the UAE. The islands are currently under Iranian control, but the UAE continues to claim ownership. Located near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, the area is a vital route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply is transported.

The warning comes amid regional conflict that began on February 28 with a U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, which has since spread across the Middle East. Iran has accused Gulf states of allowing U.S. forces to operate from their territories and has carried out missile and drone strikes against what it describes as U.S. interests in those countries.