WANA (Dec 02) – Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has criticized the Iran-related sections of the final statement from the 45th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit held in Kuwait. He described the content as “unconstructive and unacceptable,” expressing regret over the repetition of claims that he argued violate international law and contradict the principles of good neighborliness.

 

Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s firm and principled stance regarding the three Persian Gulf islands—Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb—emphasizing that they are an “inseparable and eternal part” of Iranian territory. He stated unequivocally that any claim to the contrary constitutes an infringement on Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

Iran Condemns Interference in Sovereign Affairs

The foreign ministry spokesperson rejected what he termed as baseless and interventionist claims in the GCC statement, asserting that such assertions cannot alter historical and geographical realities. Baghaei reiterated that Iran’s actions concerning the three islands align fully with its sovereign rights.

 

He condemned comments in the GCC statement criticizing Iran’s residential developments, visits by civilian and military officials to the islands, and military exercises within Iran’s territorial boundaries. Baghaei categorized these remarks as interference in Iran’s domestic affairs and condemned them outright.

 

Missile Program and Regional Security

Baghaei also dismissed criticisms of Iran’s defensive and military capabilities, particularly its missile program, emphasizing that these are developed within the framework of Iran’s defensive doctrine. He asserted that the missile capabilities aim to protect national security and maintain regional peace and stability in compliance with international norms and laws.

 

He further accused extra-regional military presences, foreign bases, and the Israeli regime of posing a real threat to regional security, pointing to their roles in occupation, aggression, and instability in the Islamic world.

 

Commitment to International Obligations

Addressing nuclear concerns, Baghaei highlighted Iran’s ongoing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including the recent visit of the agency’s Director General to Tehran. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its international obligations and its intention to continue constructive engagement with the IAEA.

 

Arash Gas Field and Energy Collaboration

On the Arash gas field dispute referenced in the GCC statement, Baghaei reiterated Iran’s readiness for constructive bilateral negotiations with Kuwait. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to joint exploitation of hydrocarbon resources, viewing mutual interest and cooperation as essential to fostering regional partnerships.

 

Regional Dialogue and Cooperation

Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s adherence to a policy of good neighborliness and noted the recent meeting between Iranian and GCC foreign ministers in Doha. He stressed that Iran sees constructive dialogue as the key to resolving regional issues, strengthening peace and stability, and expanding collaboration across all sectors.