WANA (Sep 28) – Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, strongly rejected the claims made in the joint statement of the foreign ministers’ meeting between the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) and the United Kingdom concerning Iran’s three islands in the Persian Gulf.

 

Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s absolute sovereignty over the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa islands, describing them as an inseparable part of Iran’s territory. He emphasised that the repetition of “unfounded” political claims will not alter the geographical, historical, or legal facts regarding the Iranian ownership of the islands.

 

Condemning the interventionist rhetoric in the statement, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran will take all necessary measures, within the framework of its sovereign rights, to ensure the safety and security of the aforementioned islands and protect national interests in the area.

 

Baghaei further urged the PGCC to refrain from reiterating unfounded claims and facilitating the involvement of disruptive external actors, such as the UK, whose regional policies and presence have historically led to instability in the Persian Gulf. He called on the PGCC to focus instead on enhancing regional cooperation, mutual understanding, and confidence-building among regional countries.

The Three Persian Gulf Islands