Iran: US, GCC ‘empty claims’ only benefit ill-wishers of region

Iran has rejected “empty accusations” leveled by the US and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) against Tehran, saying such claims only serve the “illegitimate” interests of the ill-wishers of the region.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani made the remarks on Wednesday after the GCC foreign ministers, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi issued a joint statement against Iran following their meeting in New York.

“In the current situation, the repetition of empty accusations and claims can in no way serve the interests of regional governments and people,” he said.

Such claims “only benefit the ill-wishers, who cannot tolerate peace, economic development, territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the countries in the region and have always pursued their illegitimate interests in regional interference, instability and insecurity.”

Kan’ani also noted that the Islamic Republic believes regional problems can be solved through interaction, cooperation and synergy among regional states without the intervention of extra-regional parties.

The US-GCC statement urged Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and cease alleged “proliferation of … dangerous weapons.”

It further supported the United Arab Emirates’ claim to the three Iranian islands of Abu Musa, and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs in the Persian Gulf.

The spokesman emphasized that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities lie within the framework of the country’s transparent military doctrine and are only meant for deterrence and the protection of national security.

The Israeli regime, he added, poses the real danger to the region as the main source of insecurity and threat against Muslim countries.

Meanwhile, Kan’ani reiterated Iran's unwavering stance on the three Persian Gulf islands as indispensable parts of its territory.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers any claim to the islands interference in its internal affairs as well as its territorial integrity, and strongly condemns it,” he asserted.

Explainer: The past, present, and future of three strategic Persian Gulf islands

Iran has made it clear it will never give up its legitimate right to the islands, regardless of repetitive claims, vaguely worded statements, lobbying efforts, or even potential military threats.

The three Persian Gulf islands have historically been part of Iran, proof of which can be found and corroborated by countless historical, legal, and geographical documents in Iran and other parts of the world. However, the United Arab Emirates has repeatedly laid claim to the islands.

The trio fell under British control in 1921 but on November 30, 1971, a day after British forces left the region and just two days before the UAE was to become an official federation, Iran’s sovereignty over the islands was restored.

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