Iran Press/ Iran news: Speaking on the sidelines of a memorial ceremony for Major General Niloofarshan, Tangsiri emphasized that the three islands "have always belonged to Iran" and are officially recognized as Iranian territory. He called on the United Arab Emirates to prevent external forces from using the issue to ignite tensions in the region.
Tangsiri also criticized Western countries, accusing them of deflecting attention from their involvement in the killing of Muslims in Gaza and Lebanon by using the islands dispute as a pretext to justify their presence in the Middle East.
"The West seeks to create distractions and legitimize its regional interference," Tangsiri said, urging regional nations to remain vigilant against foreign attempts to provoke conflict.
The sovereignty dispute over the Persian Gulf islands of Bu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb dates back to the period of British colonial influence in the region. These islands were historically part of Iran but fell under British control in the early 20th century. In 1971, shortly before the formation of the UAE, Iran reasserted its control over the islands following the withdrawal of British forces. The UAE, established later that year, has claimed to the islands, a stance that Iran consistently rejects as baseless and historically inaccurate.
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Iran Reaffirms Sovereignty Over Persian Gulf Islands, Criticizes Foreign Claims
