Iran protests Russia for its position on disputed islands with the UAE
On Saturday, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Embassy in Tehran and handed him a protest note against the backdrop of an Arab-Russian statement regarding disputed islands in the Gulf.
A statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that, in the absence of the Russian ambassador, the charge d’affaires of the Russian embassy was handed over a protest note.
The statement added that the three islands in the Gulf belong to Iran, and that any claim from any party in this regard is rejected and unacceptable.
In turn, the Russian diplomat stated that he would convey Iranian objections to Moscow as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, the final statement of the Arab-Russian Forum held in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh affirmed support for all peaceful efforts, including initiatives aimed at reaching a peaceful solution to the issue of the three islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa) in accordance with the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, through negotiations; Bilateralism or resorting to the International Court of Justice if the parties agree to that”.
It should be noted that the dispute between Iran and the UAE over the islands dates back to before the Iranian Revolution in 1979, specifically following the UAE’s independence from Britain in 1971.
