Iran’s foreign ministry has called upon the Chinese ambassador in Tehran to express discontent over a joint China-UAE statement concerning Iran’s sovereignty over three islands also claimed by the UAE, as reported by Iranian state media on Sunday.
The disputed islands — Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb — have been a point of contention between the two countries since 1971. Despite claims by both Iran and the UAE, Iran has maintained control over the islands since before the UAE’s formation following British withdrawal.
According to state media, Iran has conveyed its objection to China’s support of what it considers unfounded claims in the joint statement with the UAE.
China, a significant trade partner of Iran, has been urged by Iran’s foreign ministry to reconsider its stance on the issue, emphasizing that the islands are an integral part of Iran’s territory.
