TEHRAN- The statement by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit over Iran’s three Persian Gulf islands Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb was criticized on Wednesday by Nasser Kanaani, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Kanaani expressed regret over portions of the final statement of the 44th GCC session involving Iran, denouncing it as unacceptable. 

The leaders of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council who met in Doha on Tuesday reiterated baseless accusations against Iran in relation to the Arash gas field, Iran’s nuclear program, defense capabilities, and the three islands.

“Iran views any claims over these islands as interference in its internal territory, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” Kanaani said.

The spokesman reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering position and emphasized that these islands are permanent and essential components of the Iranian territory.

“Iran strongly condemns any claims made over these islands as interference in its domestic territory, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” he said. 

Kanaani recognized the Zionist regime and the military presence of non-regional entities as real dangers to regional stability, highlighting Iran’s missile capabilities within a transparent military framework for deterrence and national security. 

“The real threat to regional security is the illogical military presence of non-regional actors and the Zionist regime, which is the primary source of insecurity and threats to Islamic countries and regional stability.”

Kanaani also emphasized Iran’s assistance in fighting terrorism and improving marine security. 

He added, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently adhered to its international obligations and laws within the framework of rights and duties and continues its constructive cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) based on the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).” 

The spokesman went on to stress, “Iran has always emphasized friendly and constructive cooperation in the energy sector, including in the Arash energy field within the region, based on bilateral negotiations with the Kuwaiti government and past negotiation records. Without a doubt, behaviors based on mutual interests and commonalities can provide appropriate grounds for regional cooperation.”

Kanaani highlighted Iran’s commitment to promoting a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region via cooperation and resistance to foreign interventions, underscoring Iran’s principled approach to fortifying neighborly ties based on mutual respect and non-interference in domestic matters.