The story: Russia is in hot water in Iran. Tehran has complained to Moscow over a joint statement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that disputes Iranian sovereignty over three Gulf islands. The controversy shines a light on the complexities—and possible instability—of the growing Iranian-Russian partnership.

The coverage: Iran's foreign ministry on July 12 summoned the Russian ambassador to protest a joint GCC-Russia statement that contested Iran's claim over Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb.

• While Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) claim ownership, the islands have been under Iranian control since 1971—shortly before the establishment of the UAE.
  
  
• The joint statement in question was issued after a July 10 GCC-Russia meeting in Moscow. It expressed support for the...