Iran reaffirms sovereignty on three Persian Gulf islands

Iran has dismissed as “baseless” a statement by Persian Gulf Arab states supporting United Arab Emirates’ alleged ownership of three Iranian islands, saying the Persian Gulf islands are integral part of the country.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Marzieh Afkham, said on Saturday that repetition of baseless claims to the three Iranian islands would not change historical facts.

Noting that “friendly ties with neighbors based on non-interference policy and mutual respect” top the Islamic Republic’s agenda, she said Iran does not put any limit on the expansion of friendly ties with neighboring countries.

On Tuesday, the six-nation [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council issued a statement at the end of its 133rd foreign ministerial meeting in the Qatari capital, Doha, reiterating support for the UAE’s claimed ownership to the three islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa.

The three islands have been historically part of Iran, the proof of which can be found in and corroborated by countless historical, legal and geographical documents in Iran and other parts of the world.

The United Arab Emirates has, however, repeatedly laid claim to the islands.