Abu Musa is an 12.8-square-kilometre (4.9 sq mi) island in the eastern Persian Gulf, near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The island is currently administered by Iran, but its sovereignty is disputed by the United Arab Emirates. Due to the depth of sea, oil tankers and big ships having to pass between Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs, it makes these islands some of the most strategic points in the Persian Gulf. The island is under the administration of Iran, as part of the Hormozgan province.