Tehran Strongly Dismisses PGCC’s Unfounded Claims on Iranian Islands and the Arash Gas Field

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei on Thursday expressed regret over the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council’s continued repetition of the UAE’s baseless claims regarding the Iranian islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb.

He condemned the references to these inseparable Iranian islands in the final communiqué of the PGCC’s 46th summit.

Baqaei stressed that Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb are integral parts of the sovereign territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding that any territorial claim against them is groundless, invalid, and devoid of legal merit. Such claims, he noted, run counter to the principles of territorial integrity and good-neighborliness.

He highlighted Iran’s effective, continuous, and undisputed sovereignty over the three islands throughout centuries of history.

Baqaei underlined that the mere repetition of an unfounded claim about a portion of a nation’s territory cannot change established historical and geographical facts, nor does it create any legal rights for the claimant.

He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to a policy of good-neighborliness and constructive cooperation with regional countries to strengthen bilateral relations and preserve regional security and stability. Baqaei called on the UAE and the PGCC to avoid provocative positions inconsistent with good-neighborly relations.

Separately, referring to the Arash gas field, the spokesman reiterated Iran’s firm pursuit of its legitimate rights, stressing that unilateral claims over the field are invalid and unfounded. He added that repetitive statements and unilateral assertions do not create any legal rights for the Kuwaiti government.

“Achieving a fair and lasting agreement on the field requires bilateral dialogue, joint effort, and a positive, constructive atmosphere to advance mutual interests,” Baqaei said.