Iran dismisses UAE-U.S. statement on Iranian islands

TEHRAN,June 30 (MNA) – An Iranian Foreign Ministry official said on Thursday that a joint statement issued by the United States and the United Arab Emirates is an instance of “clear interference” in Iran’s internal affairs. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who is the deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs, made the remarks in response to the statement that U.S. President Barack Obama and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi issued on Wednesday about the three Persian Gulf islands of Bu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, part of which “called for a peaceful resolution of the islands’ status.” Amir-Abdollahian said that the three islands are “inseparable” parts of Iran’s territory and that the interference of a third country is meant to cause rift and create tension in the region.” The UAE has repeatedly questioned Iran’s sovereignty over the three Persian Gulf islands in question and urged Tehran to agree to take the dispute to the International Court of Justice in The Hague or engage in direct negotiations. However, Iran has said that the issue is “non-negotiable.”