Iran reaffirms sovereignty over Abu Musa and Tunb Islands amid controversy

In a statement issued today, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kanaani asserted that the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb "remain an inseparable and eternal part of the soil of the Islamic Republic of Iran". He rejected the recent statement by the PGCC (Persian Gulf Cooperation Council) Council of Ministers, calling it "devoid of any political or legal value".

According to the Tasnim News Agency, Kanaani articulated Iran's unwavering stance, reaffirming the nation's "territorial integrity and sovereignty over its islands based on accepted principles and rules of international law."

As discussions over shared resources in the Persian Gulf gained traction, Kanaani emphasized, "Based on its bilateral negotiations with the Kuwaiti government, including over the Arash field, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been committed to friendly cooperation in the energy sector."

Kanaani opined, "Countries in the Persian Gulf region should utilize the resources and subsoil of the Persian Gulf for the collective benefit of the nations."

Addressing concerns about Iran's nuclear program, Kanaani emphasized its peaceful nature. He reaffirmed Iran's continued cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the auspices of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Kanaani categorically stated that Iran's nuclear ambitions remain unaffected by "political and propaganda pressures.

*Photo's source: Tasnim News Agency