Skip to main content

Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

Iran’s foreign ministry has announced that it summoned the Chinese ambassador to Iran after a statement by China and the UAE regarding Iran’s sovereignty over three islands also claimed by the UAE.

In a statement, Iranian state media said, “Iran’s objection to the Chinese support of baseless claims in a shared UAE-China statement has been expressed to the Chinese ambassador in Tehran. Iran’s foreign ministry emphasizes that the three Islands are an eternal part of the country’s soil and we expect China to mend its position on the issue.”

1703676677 Islands Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, And Abu Musa

The islands in question – Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb – have been under Iranian control since 1971, shortly before the UAE’s formation. Despite the UAE’s longstanding claim to the islands, Iran has maintained its hold on them since just before the UAE gained independence from Britain and became an ally of the United States.

Located near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for global oil shipments, these islands are strategically significant. The dispute over these territories has been a persistent issue between Iran and the UAE, with Iran asserting the islands are an “inseparable” part of its territory, refusing any negotiations on the matter. Conversely, the UAE has continuously pushed for a negotiated settlement.

This incident follows a pattern of Iran summoning diplomats from allied nations over similar disputes. In 2023, Iran called in the Russian ambassador twice, and in 2022, it summoned the Chinese ambassador for similar reasons. Despite these tensions, Tehran maintains robust diplomatic relations with both China and Russia.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Keep up to date with our latest videos, news and content