Russia’s isles stance ‘strategic mistake’: Iran MP
An Iranian lawmaker criticized Russia’s recent decision to sign a joint statement with Arab countries of the Persian Gulf concerning Iran’s three islands calling it a “political and strategic mistake.”
Mehdi Saadati, in an interview with Iran Daily, stated that he advises Russians to rectify their stance on this matter.
This comes after Russia and the six member countries of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council earlier this month jointly requested the case of the three islands of the Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa to be referred to the International Court of Justice for resolution.
Saadati dismissed the ownership claims over the three islands as “political maneuvers,” saying that the isles are “unquestionably” belong to Iran.
“Iran is resolute in defending its territory,” said the lawmaker, adding; “Iran respects the territorial integrity and rights of all nations, expecting the same respect for its principles and interests in return.”
“Iran has consistently proven that it does not seek to encroach upon the interests or territories of other nations… but it will not compromise on its national interests.”
Regarding Russia’s position in the recent joint statement, Saadati disclosed that necessary warnings were conveyed to Moscow.
“Iran finds Russia’s stance unacceptable, leading to objections raised through the summoning of the Russian ambassador and Iran’s ambassador to Russia highlighting the nation’s sensitivity to such issues in a meeting with the country’s deputy foreign minister.
Saadati declared that the path taken by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council toward Iran’s three islands since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, despite being raised multiple times in different ways, will not yield any positive outcomes.