Iranian diplomat Kazem Gharibabadi has rejected statements made at the United Nations General Assembly by the United Arab Emirates over three disputed islands, reiterating Tehran’s stance that its sovereignty over the strategic landmasses is nonnegotiable, Al Jazeera reports.
Writing on X, Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, has said repeating claims from the UN rostrum “does not alter the reality” that Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb remain “inseparable parts of Iran’s territory”.
“Emirati officials should, instead of repeating unfounded claims, adhere to the requirements of good neighbourliness and the historical and legal realities of the region,” Gharibabadi says.
The dispute over the three islands near the Strait of Hormuz dates back to 1971. Iranian forces took control of the islands shortly before Britain withdrew from the region and the UAE was formally established as a federation.
Abu Dhabi has consistently challenged Iran’s control, arguing the islands were seized unlawfully, and routinely calls at international forums for direct negotiations or a resolution through the International Court of Justice.
