The complete statement by Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharazi, published today, is as follows:

The European Union’s support for the UAE in its claim over the three islands represents clear hostility towards Iran under the pretense of Iran’s alleged support for Russia in the Ukraine war. Notably, neither the United States nor Europe has confirmed any transfer of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia. Moreover, Iran has consistently opposed the occupation of Ukrainian territory and has called for a ceasefire, negotiations, and an end to the occupation.

EU’s adversarial stance, including sanctioning three Iranian airlines and their recent public statements, stems from Iran’s support for Palestinian resistance and Europe’s backing of the Israeli occupying regime, which continues to violate the rights and lives of Palestinians. Europe, through the provision of deadly weapons and financial aid, has empowered this brutal regime, and now, in a hypocritical move, seeks to target Iran’s territorial claims in retaliation for Iran’s position on Palestine.

The European Union’s position on the three islands lacks any legal standing. It is a politically motivated attempt to attract financial resources from wealthy Persian Gulf states, particularly the UAE, to offset the financial burden of their involvement in the Ukraine war. They are fully aware that when British colonialism ended its occupation of the region in 1971, including the three islands, those islands were returned to their rightful owner, Iran because all historical maps and documents affirmed that those islands belonged to Iran, and Britain had no choice but to recognize that. Of course, during this process, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi committed an unforgivable betrayal by agreeing to the separation of Bahrain from Iran, based on a fake referendum.,

The historical and legal evidence confirming Iran’s sovereignty over the three islands is so overwhelming that politically motivated statements aimed at securing financial support will not alter Iran’s firm stance. These islands are part of Iran, and the Iranian armed forces remain resolute in defending the country’s territorial integrity.

During my tenure as foreign minister, I initiated friendly negotiations with UAE officials to resolve the misunderstanding regarding Abu Musa Island and the presence of UAE nationals in its southern part. This was based on the 1971 agreement, which entrusted Iran with the security of the island, including the safety of Emirati nationals residing there. Unfortunately, these efforts were thwarted by the unfaithful behavior of the UAE authorities.

Today, based on my extensive political experience, I urge the younger generation of UAE leaders who, unlike their wise and experienced forefathers, are rushing to assert their claims through alliances with Iran’s adversaries, to set aside their hostility towards Iran’s territorial integrity. Instead of pursuing a path shaped by economic motives and external influences, they should return to dialogue. Only through a genuine commitment to historical facts and documented evidence can this dispute be resolved, promoting peace and stability in the region. Otherwise, the path they are being led down will only lead to war and destruction.

Seyyed Kamal Kharazi

President, Strategic Council on Foreign Relations

‏18‏

/10‏/2024