WANA (Dec 04) – Ali Akbar Velayati, Senior Adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution on international affairs, condemned recent claims made against Iran’s territorial integrity, stating that the three Persian Gulf islands and the Arash gas field are an inseparable part of Iran. “This reality will not change with any political statement,” he said.

 

Velayati criticized the latest communiqué issued by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC), which reiterated disputed claims regarding the Iranian islands and asserted ownership over the Arash gas field. He said the statement reflects the approach of certain governments that “favor tension over constructive engagement.”

 

He stressed that Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and the Arash field are historically and legally part of Iran, and any claims to the contrary are “false and devoid of legal value.”

 

Velayati emphasized: “Nonetheless, it is necessary to clearly state something that we had so far refrained from expressing publicly: the United Arab Emirates has for years concealed the unfortunate realities of its foreign policy from public opinion. Now that the true face of its adventurous policies has become clear, one cannot remain silent in the face of these destructive behaviors.”

 

He noted: “The irresponsible and interventionist government of the UAE must be asked: What were you doing in Yemen? Why did you occupy the island of Socotra? How did you transfer groups of defenseless Sudanese people and send them as mercenaries to the Yemen war?”

 

He added, “The blood of tens of thousands of Yemeni Muslims was shed because of your expansionist and ambitious policies, and after the heroic resistance of Ansarullah, you faced complete defeat.”

 

Velayati continued: “Will you explain with whose cooperation—including the old colonial power Britain—you played a key role in forming rebel groups in Sudan? Actions whose consequence was the killing of thousands of innocent people in that country, practically revealing your continuous pattern of interference in the Islamic world.”

 

The Leader’s Advisor on international affairs reminded: “What was mentioned is only part of the actions that contradict Islamic principles and aim to advance the goals of colonial powers, especially the United States and Britain.”

 

“The question remains: What does the UAE want from Sudan, and why do many analysts believe your behavior suggests attempts to create a ‘transnational empire’? A claim that, even if we do not believe it, has undoubtedly emerged because of these erroneous policies—and you provide no clear answer, he added.”

 

He stressed: “The Gulf Cooperation Council must also know that supporting these false claims not only provides no help to the region’s security but also causes resentment and bitterness between the Iranian people and the Council.”

 

“It is appropriate that the Council’s members, instead of repeating incorrect positions pleasing to the enemies of the Islamic Ummah, focus on the real issues of the Islamic world and ask the UAE representative what they have done and are doing in Yemen and Sudan, Velayati said.”

 

Velayati added: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized dialogue, good-neighborliness, and genuine regional cooperation; however, it declares explicitly that it will firmly stand against any aggression targeting the territorial integrity, history, and legitimate rights of the Iranian nation.”

 

Velayati concluded: “The three islands and the Arash oil field were, are, and will remain an inseparable part of Iran’s territory, and this truth will not change with any political statement.”

The Three Persian Gulf Islands