Iran (IMNA) - Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, described the Arab League's position as "baseless" and "unacceptable," following the League's final statement at its 33rd summit in Manama, Bahrain, which echoed the United Arab Emirates' claims to the islands. Kanaani emphasized that Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb have "historically belonged to Iran" and are "an integral and eternal part of the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran." He rejected the Arab League's claims, citing historical, legal, and geographical evidence supporting Iran's sovereignty over the islands.
Kanaani also criticized the Arab League for raising the issue in its statement, calling it contrary to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, particularly those relating to respect for territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and good neighborly relations. He urged the League to recognize the unchangeable historical and geographical realities and to work towards fostering mutual understanding and stronger relations among regional countries.
Iran's sovereignty over the islands was reaffirmed on November 30, 1971, shortly before the formation of the UAE, after a period of British control that began in 1921. The Iranian government has repeatedly stated that it will not hesitate to preserve its territorial integrity regarding these islands.
In a related development, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, sent a letter to the UN Security Council, condemning the Arab League's declaration as a blatant interference in Iran’s internal affairs and a violation of international law and the UN Charter. He reiterated that the islands are an integral part of Iranian territory and criticized the use of an incorrect name for the Persian Gulf in the League's statement.
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