Iran’s Foreign Ministry Calls on European Ambassadors for Urgent Diplomatic Discussions

In recent developments, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has expressed its strong opposition to the baseless claims made by the foreign ministers of the PGCC and the European Union. These claims include support for the UAE’s unfounded territorial assertions over Iran’s Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa islands, as well as comments regarding Iran’s defense and nuclear programs. This situation has prompted a significant diplomatic response from Iranian officials.

Majid Takht Ravanchi, the Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, took decisive action by summoning European envoys to convey Iran’s protest. During this meeting, he reiterated Iran’s unwavering sovereignty over the islands in question, emphasizing that they are an inseparable part of Iran’s territory.

Key points raised by Takht Ravanchi include:

• Reaffirmation of Sovereignty: Takht Ravanchi categorically reaffirmed Iran’s absolute and perpetual sovereignty over the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa islands.
• Condemnation of EU Support: He condemned the European Union’s endorsement of the UAE’s claims, describing it as a violation of the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Defense Capabilities: The Deputy Foreign Minister rejected the EU’s comments on Iran’s missile program, labeling them as blatant interference in Iran’s internal affairs. He stated that Iran’s indigenous defense capabilities, including its missile power, are a fundamental right to self-defense and contribute to regional stability.

Furthermore, Takht Ravanchi criticized the three European parties involved in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—France, Germany, and the UK—for their non-compliance and inefficiency. He pointed out that these nations, along with the EU as the coordinator of the JCPOA Joint Commission, have not only failed to meet their obligations but have also misused the dispute resolution mechanism. This misuse has led to significant diplomatic obstruction and a stalemate in negotiations.

He concluded his remarks by asserting that the EU must be held accountable for its destructive actions instead of continuing to make politically motivated allegations regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

On the same day, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, also dismissed the unfounded claims made in the joint statement by the PGCC and the EU. He criticized the repetition of the UAE’s baseless assertions concerning the Iranian islands and the interference in Iran’s defense and nuclear matters.

Baghaei warned against the divisive and destructive meddling by certain European countries in the affairs of the Persian Gulf region. He firmly stated that Iran’s sovereignty over the three islands is absolute and perpetual, asserting their status as an inseparable part of Iran’s territorial integrity.

He emphasized that the repetition of baseless claims in political statements holds no legal validity and does not change the established geographical or historical realities.

In light of these developments, it is evident that the Iranian government is committed to defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty against external pressures and claims. The diplomatic exchanges between Iran and European officials highlight the complexities of international relations in the region, particularly concerning issues of national security and territorial disputes.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the European Union and the PGCC will respond to Iran’s strong protests and whether diplomatic efforts can lead to a resolution of these contentious issues. For now, Iran stands firm in its position, asserting its rights and sovereignty over the contested islands in the Persian Gulf.

In summary, the recent statements from Iranian officials reflect a robust defense of national sovereignty and a clear rejection of external interference. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the implications of these claims and counterclaims will be closely monitored by analysts and policymakers alike.