Iran rejects call for talks on disputed islands
The UAE is also claiming ownership of the islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa
Daily TribuneThe UAE is also claiming ownership of the islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa
Iran has rejected calls by Russia and the United Arab Emirates for talks over three islands controlled by Tehran but claimed by the UAE.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran considers any claim from any side in this regard as rejected and unacceptable," Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement.
Iran's foreign ministry said on Saturday it summoned Moscow's charge d'affaires in Tehran, in the absence of its ambassador, to submit a "note of protest" on the contents of the joint statement.
Iran's top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also called the islands "an integral part of Iran's territorial integrity," in a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Friday.
"Tehran will not compromise with any side on the issue of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty," he added.
Iran in July summoned the Russian ambassador to protest a similar joint statement signed by Moscow and Arab countries on the islands.
Located in the Gulf, the three strategic islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa are located near the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of world oil output passes.
WITH AFP