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Iran denounces Arab Leagues claims over Persian Gulf islands

· 3 min read

Iran denounces Arab League's claims over Persian Gulf islands​

TEHRAN –Iran has denounced the Arab League's recent declaration regarding the Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb islands in the Persian Gulf as "false and baseless," accusing it of interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

Iran denounces Arab League's claims over Persian Gulf islands

In a letter addressed to the UN Security Council on Saturday, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, expressed Tehran's strong condemnation of the claims. He categorically rejected the allegations in Paragraph 11 of the League of Arab States’ declaration, which reiterates the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) claims over the three islands.

Iravani emphasized that Tehran views the declaration, delivered by Bahrain's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jamal al-Rowaiei, to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Security Council President Pedro Comissário Afonso on May 20, as a blatant interference in its internal matters.

"This action directly contradicts the spirit of good neighborliness and constitutes a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, particularly the well-established principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs," Iravani stated.

He reiterated Iran's sovereignty over the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, underscoring that they are integral parts of Iranian territory. Furthermore, Iravani condemned the use of an incorrect name for the Persian Gulf in the declaration's Paragraphs 11 and 16.

"Iran reiterates that 'The Persian Gulf' is the only legitimate and valid geographical designation for the body of water between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, a name that has been used since ancient times. All reputable cartographic organizations recognize and refer to this marine area as the 'Persian Gulf,' which must be respected by all," Iravani highlighted.

Historically, the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb have been part of Iran, a fact supported by numerous historical, legal, and geographical documents. Despite this, the UAE has repeatedly laid claim to these islands. The islands fell under British control in 1921, but on November 30, 1971, just before the UAE became an official federation, Iran's sovereignty over the islands was restored.

The dispute resurfaced following the conclusion of the 33rd Arab League summit held in Manama, Bahrain, where the final statement echoed the United Arab Emirates' ongoing claim to the islands.

Iran's firm stance against the Arab League's declaration underscores its commitment to maintaining its territorial integrity and rejecting any external interference in its sovereign affairs.

source: tehrantimes.com