News / Politics

Iran rejects Japanese-Arab statement, says Persian Gulf islands its ‘eternal territory’

Thursday, 07 September 2023 6:39 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 07 September 2023 6:39 PM ]

This file pictures shows a view of Iran's Abu Musa Island in the Persian Gulf.

The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has censured a joint statement from the ministerial meeting of Arab-Japan Political Dialogue about Abu Musa, the Greater Tunb, and the Lesser Tunb, emphasizing that the three islands in the Persian Gulf are an eternal part of the Iranian territory.

Nasser Kan’ani said on Thursday that the statement lacks any political or legal value, and is in violation of the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs of countries and respect for their territorial integrity.

The third session of the ministerial meeting of the Arab-Japan Political Dialogue, was held in the Egyptian capital of Cairo on September 5, 2023.

Regarding the three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf, the ministers attending the event called for efforts “to reach a peaceful solution through bilateral negotiation as per the provisions of the international law and UN Charter.”

Explainer: The past, present, and future of three strategic Persian Gulf islands

Iran has made it clear it will never give up its legitimate right to the islands, regardless of repetitive claims, vaguely worded statements, lobbying efforts, or even potential military threats.

The three Persian Gulf islands of Abu Musa, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs have historically been part of Iran, proof of which can be found and corroborated by countless historical, legal, and geographical documents in Iran and other parts of the world. However, the United Arab Emirates has repeatedly laid claim to the islands.

The islands fell under British control in 1921 but on November 30, 1971, a day after British forces left the region and just two days before the UAE was to become an official federation, Iran’s sovereignty over the islands was restored.

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