TEHRAN – Iran has launched a fierce rebuke of the European Union, slamming it for meddling in West Asian affairs after the bloc said Tehran is “occupying” three Islands in the Persian Gulf – islands that have historically belonged to Iran. 

The condemnation comes in response to a joint communiqué issued at the conclusion of a summit between EU leaders and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which included statements critical of Iran, particularly concerning the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb. 

In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declared an end to the era of European meddling in the region, stating that the EU's "divide and rule" approach is outdated and that Iran will not tolerate further interference in its affairs. 

"The EU-PGCC Summit Joint Statement on Iran carries many messages. To us, it is becoming clear that the path of respectful cooperation we offered in several meetings...is being met with European desire for confrontation," Araqchi wrote. He added, "The three islands have always belonged to Iran, and will forever remain as such. The era of European malign 'divide & rule' interference in our region is long over."

The islands have historically been part of Iran, with numerous historical, legal, and geographical documents corroborating this claim. However, the UAE has repeatedly asserted its claim to the territories, citing a short period of British control of the islands which ended in 1971. Historical records show the sovereignty of the islands belonged to Iran centuries before the UAE was even formed. 

Echoing Araqchi's sentiments, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, categorically stated that the islands are integral parts of Iranian territory and will remain so. "Using misleading concepts or repeating false and deceptive claims about this significant part of Iran's territory changes nothing about the reality," Baqaei emphasized.

Baqaei also expressed regret that certain regional countries prioritize territorial disputes with neighboring countries rather than addressing the urgent issue of the Palestinian people's suffering under Israeli occupation. He called upon those supporting the Israeli regime to cease their collaboration.

Furthermore, Baqaei highlighted Iran's commitment to its inherent right to self-defense and deter threats while maintaining regional stability. He assured that Iran's military capabilities are utilized responsibly and only for legitimate defense, adhering to international law. 

Also reacting to the inflammatory EU statement, Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations stated that while European leaders acknowledged during high-level negotiations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 79th annual session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York that mutual concerns could be resolved through dialogue, they have surrendered to baseless allegations regarding Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Europe is currently embarking on a misguided and perilous path vis-à-vis Iran. During the high-level week in New York and in a forward-looking approach, seven European leaders—in individual meetings with the President of Iran—acknowledged that the concerns of both parties could be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy," the mission said in a post on X. 

“Yet, in Brussels, they have recklessly ignored international law and the UN Charter, allowing themselves to become pawns of unfounded claims regarding Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it added.