Iran has strongly rejected yet another instance of  intrusive allegations by the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council ([P]GCC) with respect to three tiny Iranian islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham on Sunday rejected the “repetitive” allegations put forth in the final statement of the 132nd [P]GCC ministerial council in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, saying they emanate from lack of understanding of historical facts and the ongoing developments in the region.

“This statement is a blatant example of interference in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Iran condemns and completely rejects its contents…,” she noted.

The spokeswoman said Iran has frequently emphasized that such positions would only divert the public opinion and postpone purposive cooperation among regional nations.

“Our principled policy toward the Persian Gulf countries is [based on] good neighborliness, mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs of other [countries] as well as paying attention to non-imaginary realities,” Afkham said.

She once again expressed Iran’s preparedness to improve relations with the Persian Gulf countries under the current sensitive situation in the region.

The Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa islands have been historically part of Iran, the proof of which can be found in 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.

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