TEHRAN – Iran has reacted to a joint statement by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union, which questioned Iran’s territorial integrity.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani dismissed and slammed certain baseless points included in the communiqué and emphasized Iran’s regional strategy and fundamental policy of promoting and deepening ties with the Persian Gulf states.

Kanaani pointed to the destructive record of some European countries in interfering in the Persian Gulf over different periods and selling arms and warfare worth billions of dollars by those countries to the region in order to keep stoking regional tensions to gain commercial benefits.

He dismissed concerns by the European Union as baseless and motivated by self-interests, saying the developments in the region in recent months have been promising and in line with the interests of all regional countries.

He added continued diplomacy and dialogue are the best ways to step up cooperation along the lines of common interests and reinforcing the stability and security of the region.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson highlighted Iran’s role in the real fight on terror and in boosting and consolidating maritime security. He added achieving sustainable regional security is tied to promoting bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the regional countries, without unwanted interventions by extra-regional forces.

Kanaani reiterated Iran’s principled and permanent stance on the three Iranian islands of Abu Musa, the Greater Tunb and the Lesser Tunb as an “integral and eternal” part of Iranian territory, according to the Iranian foreign ministry.

The spokesperson said the contents of the statement on Iran’s nuclear activities and defense capability were invalid and unacceptable and further noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always abided by international laws and its obligations within the framework of rights and duties.

He added Iran would continue its constructive cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) based on the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA).

Kanaani added that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s military and defense prowess is aimed at increasing deterrence, maintaining national security and boosting regional stability.

The foreign ministry spokesperson stressed, “The Islamic Republic of Iran once again announces it is seriously adamant in achieving a stable, safe and prosperous region in cooperation with its neighbors without foreign interference.”