Iran Stands Firm on Ownership of Persian Gulf Islands Amid UAE Claims

According to SAEDNEWS, Iranian officials have reaffirmed that the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb in the Persian Gulf are crucial parts of Iran’s territory. They insist that any claims made by third parties concerning these islands are entirely invalid.

In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made unsupported claims about these three Iranian islands. As a newly established nation in comparison to Iran, the UAE has issued numerous political statements to back its position. However, Iranian authorities firmly contend that such claims lack credibility and do not influence the rightful legal status of the islands. "The sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran over these islands is not disturbed," they stated.

A recent joint statement from the final meeting of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union called on Iran to end what it termed the "occupation" of the islands. Iranian officials have interpreted this statement as an unfounded attack against Iran that ignores established international law. They highlighted that the assertion of Iran’s ownership being a violation of the UAE’s territorial integrity is both unfounded and legally baseless.

Historical Evidence Supports Iran’s Claim

Iranian leaders emphasize that numerous historical documents clearly illustrate that the Persian Gulf and its islands, including Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, have long been under Iranian sovereignty. This historical evidence has been collected and documented over many years, with official records submitted to the United Nations. The latest maps recognized by the UN strictly refer to the region as the Persian Gulf, reinforcing Iran’s historical ties to the territory.

In September 2022, Iran further solidified its claims by issuing a title deed for the islands in the name of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Officials stressed that any assertions from the UAE and other parties are attempts to undermine Iran's national sovereignty.

Accusations of Distraction Tactics

Babak Negahdari, the Head of the Islamic Parliament Research Center, indicated that some European Union members are attempting to divert attention from their actions in the region, including complicity in violence against the Palestinian and Lebanese populations. He argued that the recent statements regarding the islands are politically motivated distractions meant to overshadow the real issues at hand.

Negahdari asserted that the pressure from Western nations on Iran aims to force it into unfavorable political agreements regarding key issues such as regional stability and the nuclear program. He warned that discussions about the islands represent a coordinated hostile effort against the Islamic Republic in alignment with broader geopolitical maneuvers.

Conclusion

Iran’s ownership of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb is firmly supported by historical evidence and international law. Iranian officials assert their unwavering stance against any foreign interference in their territorial matters. They remain committed to defending their national sovereignty and maintaining that the islands are an essential part of Iran. “The certainty of the islands belonging to the Islamic Republic of Iran remains unwavering despite unfounded meetings and baseless claims,” they concluded.

Article first published in Mehr News Agency