TEHRAN - Iran has criticized the U.S. and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for their “empty accusations” against Tehran, noting that the accusations only serve the “illegitimate” goals of those who wish to bring harm to the region.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani made the comments on Wednesday shortly after the GCC foreign ministers, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi published a joint statement against Iran following their meeting in New York.

“In the current situation, the repetition of empty accusations and claims can in no way serve the interests of regional governments and people,” Kanaani said.

Claims like these “only benefit the ill-wishers who cannot tolerate peace, economic development, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty of the countries in the region, and have always pursued their illegitimate interests in regional interference, instability, and insecurity,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman pointed out.

Kanaani further mentioned that the Islamic Republic holds the view that regional issues can be resolved through dialogue, collaboration, and synergy among regional governments without the involvement of parties outside the region.

Iran was asked in the U.S.-GCC statement to fully cooperate with the IAEA and stop what they claimed “proliferation of... dangerous weapons.”

The statement also backed up the United Arab Emirates’ ownership claims to the Iranian islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs as well as Abu Musa in the Persian Gulf.

The foreign ministry spokesman also reiterated that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities are exclusively intended for deterrence and the preservation of national security, and fall within the parameters of the nation’s transparent military doctrine.

He continued by saying that the Israeli regime is the primary cause of regional instability and a menace to Muslim nations.

Kanaani, meanwhile, reaffirmed Tehran’s unshakeable position on the three islands in the Persian Gulf, saying they are essential components of the Iranian territory.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers any claim to the islands interference in its internal affairs as well as its territorial integrity, and strongly condemns it,” he asserted.

Numerous historical, legal, and geographical records in Iran and other countries throughout the world attest to the historical affiliation of the three islands to Iran, but the UAE continues to claim the islands time and again.

The three islands came under British rule in 1921, but on November 30, 1971, Iran regained control of the islands a day after British troops departed the region and two days before the UAE was set to become an official federation.

Iran applauds cease-fire deal between Azerbaijan, Armenia

Kanaani also hailed Azerbaijan and Armenia’s agreement to a Russia-proposed ceasefire to avert further hostilities in the Karabakh region.

On Tuesday, Azerbaijan launched a military operation in the region, accusing the Armenian-backed forces there of systematic shelling, reconnaissance activities, fortification of defensive positions, and high-level combat readiness.

Later, separatist Armenian troops stated that mediation by the leadership of the Russian peacekeeping mission stationed in the region had resulted in both parties agreeing to the truce.

Kanaani noted that Tehran welcomed the agreement and urged the two sides to concentrate on using “dialogue and peaceful mechanisms” to settle their differences while respecting Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

According to him, war only leads to destruction and the propagation of hatred, endangering the stability and security of the region.

The spokesman praised the deal and expressed optimism that there would be no further bloodshed in the region, saying there was no longer a need to prolong hostilities.

“The Islamic Republic demands complete respect for the territorial integrity and recognized international borders of the regional countries, and is of the opinion that the rights and security of the residents of Karabakh should be provided within the same framework,” Kanaani added. 

He stated that Tehran is prepared to participate in pertinent peace efforts and argued that outside interference in the region would only exacerbate current problems and imperil ongoing accords.