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FM spox debunks claims on trio islands in China-UAE joint statement
In their statement, the Chinese diplomat backed the UAE’s efforts to peacefully resolve the issue over the three islands through bilateral negotiations in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
Expressing regret over the UAE’s continued insistence on exploiting the presence of visiting diplomatic delegations to raise territorial claims against the Islamic Republic, Baqaei condemned the repetition of “unfounded and incorrect” allegation concerning the Iranian islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb in the joint statement.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman underlined that the three islands are an inseparable part of Iran’s sovereign territory, saying any territorial claim over them is in clear violation of the principle of respect for the territorial integrity of states and the norms of good neighborliness.
The three Persian Gulf islands have been part of Iran, proof of which can be found and corroborated by countless historical, legal, and geographical documents in Iran and other parts of the world. However, the United Arab Emirates has repeatedly laid claim to the islands.
The islands fell under British control in 1921, but on November 30, 1971, a day after British forces left the region and just two days before the UAE was to become an official federation, Iran’s sovereignty over the islands was restored.
On that November day, Iran officially issued land demarcation and ownership documents for the islands, reinforcing its sovereignty over the territories.