TEHRAN- The popular Quranic program "Mahfel" was held on the Persian Gulf island of Abu Musa, located in southern Hormozgan province, on Friday. 

This symbolic event was organized in response to recent claims made by the United Arab Emirates regarding Iran's three Persian Gulf islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb.

The event, attended by the residents of the island and the program crew, aimed to demonstrate the Iranian commitment to these islands, which are considered inseparable parts of Iran's territory.

Prominent Quranic scholars, including Hojatoleslam Gholamreza Qasemian, Ahmad Abolqasemi, and Hamed Shakernejad participated as the judges for the program and gathering. Additionally, a group of Iranian girls donned traditional outfits from diverse ethnicities, performing songs in various Iranian dialects to emphasize the unity and grandeur of Iran. 

Young vocalist Hossein Haqiqi, known for his fervent dedication to Iran, delivered musical pieces including "Hello to the Future" and "Raise the Flag." 

Brigadier General Ozmaei, Commander of the Fifth Naval Zone of the IRGC, referenced the martyrs from the island of Abu Musa who sacrificed their lives during the Sacred Defense and as the Defenders of The Shrine, stating: "The residents of this island will not allow the enemy to cast an evil eye on Iran's territorial waters." 

The ceremony unfolded under the display of numerous Iranian flags flying high above the island, affirming the Iranian identity of Abu Musa.

On October 17, a joint meeting was held in Brussels featuring the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union. The final statement from this gathering included unfounded claims regarding Iran's territorial integrity, calling on Iran to end its alleged occupation of the three islands—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa—that are claimed by the United Arab Emirates. The statement asserted that this occupation violates the sovereignty of the UAE and contravenes the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.

Legal experts indicate that when British colonial rule ended in the region in 1971, the newly established nations, including the UAE and Bahrain, rightfully transferred ownership of the islands to Iran, as all historical records affirm their Iranian heritage.

Following the EU's support for baseless claims regarding the three Persian Gulf islands, a widespread wave of solidarity for these islands has emerged among artists, social media activists, and various segments of society.

SAB/