Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly rejected the latest statement issued by the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which reiterated support for the United Arab Emirates’ claims over the Iranian islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei expressed regret at what he described as the GCC’s insistence on repeating “baseless and unfounded” assertions. He stressed that the islands are an inseparable part of Iranian territory, adding that any territorial claim against them is “legally invalid” and contrary to the principles of sovereignty and good neighborliness.
The UAE has for decades maintained claims over the three islands in the Persian Gulf, with the GCC repeatedly backing its position. In its 46th summit communiqué, the Council adopted a sharper tone, condemning Iran’s designation of a “National Day of the Three Islands,” statements by Iranian lawmakers on their strategic importance, and plans to build housing units on Abu Musa. Military exercises and visits by senior commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) were also criticized.
The GCC urged Iran to respond to the UAE’s calls for direct negotiations or to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice.
Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s “effective, continuous and undisputed sovereignty” over the islands, insisting that repetition of unfounded claims does not alter geographical or historical realities, nor does it create legal rights for the claimant. He called on the UAE and the GCC to avoid “provocative positions” and to pursue regional cooperation for stability and security.
The communiqué also addressed the Arash gas field (known in Arab states as al‑Durra) declaring it lies entirely within Kuwaiti waters and is jointly owned by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The Council rejected “any legal claim by any other party.”
Iran, however, dismissed these assertions. Baghaei said unilateral claims over Arash were “invalid,” stressing that a fair and lasting agreement requires bilateral dialogue, joint efforts and a constructive atmosphere to secure mutual interests.
Earlier, Ali Shamkhani, the Leader’s representative in the Defense Council, had also criticized as “unconstructive” the GCC’s statement amid the “malign actions of the United States and Israel”.
He reminded that that during the 12‑day war, despite “certain support for the aggression”, Iran exercised restraint. He referred to the Iran-Israel conflict in June, during which the United States also bombed the country’s nuclear sites. Some neighboring states have been accused of cooperating with Israel in attacks against Iran.
“Iran’s power in the Persian Gulf must not be misinterpreted; the role of neighbors is to create security, not to play with the red lines of the Iranian nation,” Shamkhani concluded.
