Iran Refutes Bogus Claims in US-PGCC Joint Statement
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry dismissed the unfounded allegations that the US secretary of state and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council states have made against Iran after a meeting in New York.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani made the remarks on Wednesday after the PGCC foreign ministers, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and PGCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi issued a joint statement against Iran following their meeting in New York.
“In the current situation, the repetition of empty accusations and claims can in no way serve the interests of regional governments and people,” he said.
Such claims “only benefit the ill-wishers, who cannot tolerate peace, economic development, territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the countries in the region and have always pursued their illegitimate interests in regional interference, instability and insecurity,” Kanaani added, Press TV reported.
The spokesman also noted that Iran believes regional problems can be solved through interaction, cooperation and synergy among regional states without the intervention of extra-regional parties.
The US-PGCC statement urged Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and cease alleged “proliferation of… dangerous weapons.”
It further supported the United Arab Emirates’ claim to the three Iranian islands of Abu Musa, and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs in the Persian Gulf.
The spokesman emphasized that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities lie within the framework of the country’s transparent military doctrine and are only meant for deterrence and the protection of national security.
The Israeli regime, he added, poses the real danger to the region as the main source of insecurity and threat against Muslim countries.
Meanwhile, Kanaani reiterated Iran's unwavering stance on the three Persian Gulf islands as indispensable parts of its territory.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers any claim to the islands interference in its internal affairs as well as its territorial integrity, and strongly condemns it,” he asserted.
The three Persian Gulf islands have historically been part of Iran, proof of which can be found and corroborated by countless historical, legal, and geographical documents in Iran and other parts of the world. However, the United Arab Emirates has repeatedly laid claim to the islands.