“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers any claim over the islands to be destabilizing, an intrusion in its internal affairs and a violation of its national sovereignty, and strongly condemns it,” the Persian diplomat said emphatically.

The three islands, considered strategic, are in the Strait of Hormuz, and will forever belong as an inseparable part of Iranian territory, Kanani said in response to the United Arab Emirates, which again claimed sovereignty over these islands.

The UAE’s assertions stem from the statement issued last Friday at the end of the summit of the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC, made up of Arab countries bordering the Persian Gulf).

Kanani pointed out that the statement from Riyadh, the Saudi capital, “is a continuation of the failed Iranophobic policy” of the Arab bloc, therefore, he urged the Council to review its approaches to regional problems and choose the constructive path.

He also rejected allegations by GCC members that Iran allegedly constitutes “a threat to the security of international waterways and oil installations”.

He expressed that Iran’s Armed Forces are determined to preserve the security of regional waters, and such statements cannot undermine their determination to protect the security of their country and that of the region.

mh/rgh/ynr