Iran Defends Sovereignty and Military Might Against PGCC-EU Allegations

In recent developments surrounding Iran’s territorial integrity, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has firmly rejected the interventionist and unfounded claims made in a joint statement by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) and the European Union (EU). These statements included the reiteration of the United Arab Emirates’ baseless claims concerning the Iranian islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, as well as unwarranted interference in Iran’s defensive and nuclear matters.

Baghaei underscored Iran’s unwavering and perpetual sovereignty over these islands, declaring them an inseparable part of the nation’s territorial integrity. He highlighted that the repetition of groundless claims in political discourse holds no legal validity and fails to alter the geographical or historical truths related to Iran’s territorial claims.

In his remarks, Baghaei expressed gratitude to Iranians, both domestically and abroad, particularly those in Europe, who have condemned the malicious and extraterritorial interventions in the Persian Gulf. He urged neighboring countries along the southern Persian Gulf to foster mutual trust and friendship, rather than perpetuating false allegations and enabling foreign interference. He emphasized the need to confront the primary threat to regional peace and stability, which he identified as the Zionist regime.

Furthermore, he condemned the provocative actions of certain EU member states, particularly Germany and France. Baghaei critiqued these nations, stating that they not only back the genocidal Israeli regime, which possesses nuclear weapons, but also impose their political ambitions on the entire European Union. He articulated that Europe’s interference in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will not resolve its internal issues but instead reveals its hypocritical and divisive stance towards Iran and the broader region.

Baghaei characterized the statements made in the PGCC–EU joint declaration regarding Iran’s defense capabilities as an unacceptable intrusion into national sovereignty. He pointed out that those who have transformed the West Asia region into an enormous arms depot through billions of dollars spent on arms sales, while simultaneously supporting a genocidal and expansionist regime, have no standing to critique Iran’s indigenous defense capabilities.

Additionally, he referred to the dishonesty and inadequate performance of the three European members of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — Germany, France, and the UK. He criticized them for misusing the deal’s dispute mechanism to reinstate terminated UN Security Council resolutions. Baghaei lamented that those responsible for the current geopolitical situation now present themselves as claimants, a position he finds to be utterly shameful. He expressed disappointment that the PGCC nations, rather than holding the EU accountable for its actions in West Asia, have instead provided a platform for its deceptive and blame-shifting policies.

In conclusion, Baghaei’s statements serve as a clear reminder of Iran’s steadfast commitment to protecting its territorial integrity and national sovereignty amidst ongoing external pressures. He called for a focus on genuine regional cooperation and the establishment of a peaceful dialogue that prioritizes trust and mutual respect among neighboring states.

Key Points of Baghaei’s Statements:

• Rejection of PGCC-EU Claims: Baghaei dismissed the claims regarding the Iranian islands as baseless.
• Emphasis on Sovereignty: He reaffirmed Iran’s sovereignty over Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa.
• Condemnation of Foreign Interference: Baghaei criticized European nations for their meddling in the Persian Gulf.
• Call for Regional Unity: He encouraged Gulf neighbors to focus on cooperation rather than conflict.
• Critique of European Policies: He pointed out the hypocrisy of EU nations supporting Israel while criticizing Iran.
• Defense Capabilities: Baghaei deemed EU statements on Iran’s defense as intrusions into national sovereignty.

This situation underscores the complexities of international relations in the Persian Gulf region and the challenges faced by Iran in maintaining its territorial rights and national pride against external pressures.