PGCC Stands Firm on Unfounded Claims Regarding Iran’s Trio Islands

The Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) has reiterated its longstanding allegations against Iran regarding its three islands and the Arash gas field in a statement released after its 46th summit in Bahrain. This recent declaration has sparked renewed discussions surrounding territorial integrity and regional sovereignty in the Gulf.

According to the PGCC Secretariat’s official website and reports from Mehr News Agency, the council’s leaders issued a statement that once again brought up their ongoing claims concerning the three Iranian islands and the Arash oil and gas field.

Despite the historical fact that the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa islands are integral parts of Iranian territory, the PGCC baselessly asserted that these islands belong to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In their final communiqué, the council reiterated its position and previous resolutions, condemning what they described as Iran’s continued occupation of the three Emirati islands.

In a series of statements, the PGCC has made several allegations against Iran, including:

• Claiming the UAE has sovereignty over the islands, including their territorial waters and airspace.
• Labeling Iran’s actions on the islands as “null and void,” asserting that they do not affect the UAE’s so-called historic rights.
• Condemning Iran’s inclusion of the “National Day of the Three Islands of the Persian Gulf” in its official calendar, which they view as a breach of sovereignty.
• Urging Tehran to address the matter through direct negotiations or by referring the issue to the International Court of Justice.

Despite the islands’ undeniable status as part of Iran, the PGCC has continued to press for what it considers a resolution. The council expressed particular concern over:

• Iran’s residential construction projects on the islands, which they labeled as “provocative actions.”
• Military exercises conducted by Iranian forces in the area and visits from senior Iranian officials.
• Statements made by Iranian authorities regarding the islands, which they deemed hostile and escalatory.

The PGCC called on Iran to cease these “provocative actions” and adopt a more conciliatory approach, aimed at fostering trust and seeking a fair resolution to the ongoing territorial dispute.

In relation to the Arash (Al-Durra) gas field, the PGCC asserted that this resource lies entirely within Kuwaiti waters. The council claimed that the ownership of natural resources in this shared neutral zone belongs exclusively to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, stating that these two nations are the only parties entitled to exploit the field’s resources.

The PGCC firmly rejected any claims made by other parties regarding rights over the Arash gas field or the adjacent neutral zone near the maritime boundary between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. These assertions are made despite Iran’s repeated emphasis on its historical and legal rights over both the three islands and the Arash gas field.

In summary, the PGCC’s recent statements reflect ongoing tensions in the Persian Gulf region, highlighting the complex interplay of territorial claims and national sovereignty. The insistence on negotiating through international avenues or seeking resolutions through the courts underscores the need for diplomatic engagement to address these long-standing disputes.

As the dialogue continues, it remains essential for all involved parties to consider the historical context and legal frameworks governing these territorial claims, as well as the potential for peaceful resolution through diplomacy and negotiation.

For further updates on this evolving situation, stay tuned to reliable news sources.