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TEHRAN \u2013 Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf strongly condemned the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for its recent accusations against Iran, urging the regional body to redirect its efforts toward halting Israeli aggression rather than making baseless claims.<\/p>\n
Speaking at an open parliamentary session on Sunday, Qalibaf criticized the GCC for its stance on Iran\u2019s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly regarding the disputed islands in the Persian Gulf.<\/p>\n
The remarks came in response to allegations raised during a joint meeting between the European Union (EU) and the GCC in Brussels, where both parties questioned Iran\u2019s claims to the three Persian Gulf islands: Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Qalibaf dismissed these claims as unfounded, stating that the GCC should be focusing its energy on more pressing issues, such as Israel\u2019s ongoing military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe GCC should have directed its capacities toward stopping the Israeli regime\u2019s war machine rather than making baseless allegations against the Islamic Republic,\u201d Qalibaf told lawmakers. He emphasized that Iran\u2019s sovereignty over the islands is non-negotiable and that any challenge to this principle would be met with a firm response. “The islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb are inseparable parts of Iran, and no one will dare to take action against this inalienable right,” he said.<\/p>\n
Qalibaf also warned the EU against what he called “testing Iran\u2019s resolve” on matters of territorial integrity, accusing European nations of aligning themselves with Israeli interests. He claimed that the EU, once known for its independence, has now become an instrument for justifying Israeli war crimes in Gaza and Lebanon.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He further criticized the international community for its failure to address Israel\u2019s military aggression in the region, highlighting the devastating impact of Israeli operations on civilian populations. \u201cInstead of standing against Israel\u2019s crimes, some countries are attempting to divert attention by making unsubstantiated claims about Iran,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The speaker\u2019s comments echoed a statement issued on Thursday by Iran\u2019s permanent mission to the United Nations, which rejected the allegations made by the EU and GCC. The statement emphasized that Iran\u2019s historical claim to the islands is backed by extensive legal and geographical evidence, dating back centuries.<\/p>\n
The dispute over the islands has been a longstanding issue, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) repeatedly contesting Iran\u2019s sovereignty. The islands fell under British control in 1921 but were returned to Iran on November 30, 1971, just before the formation of the UAE. Despite this, the UAE has continued to assert its false claims, leading to ongoing tensions in the region.<\/p>\n
Qalibaf concluded by reaffirming Iran\u2019s commitment to defending its territorial integrity, warning that any attempts to undermine Iranian sovereignty would be met with a decisive response. \u201cThose who question our sovereignty over the islands would be wise not to test the will of the Iranian people,\u201d he said.
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