Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Republic of Cyprus ambassador in Tehran on Tuesday to protest what it called intrusive language regarding Iran’s territorial integrity. Tehran reacted strongly to the joint Cyprus-UAE statement issued on Sunday, which referenced three islands. The move underscores tensions over regional sovereignty claims.
Objection to island references
According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Deputy Foreign Minister and Director General for the Persian Gulf, Mohammad Aliabadi, met the Cypriot ambassador and handed him Tehran’s strong protest, along with a written note verbale. Aliabadi stressed that the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb form an integral part of Iranian territory. He affirmed Iran’s historical, indisputable and substantive sovereignty over them, which admits no challenge.
Condemnation of territorial claims
Aliabadi declared that the Islamic Republic of Iran unequivocally condemns any territorial claim against its sovereignty. He described such claims as a violation of the fundamental principle of respect for states’ national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iran views the Cyprus-UAE statement as crossing this line.
Call for corrective measures
Referring to Iran’s longstanding position of non-interference in other countries’ sovereign and territorial affairs, including Cyprus, Aliabadi urged the Cypriot government to take immediate corrective actions. He labelled the incident a “serious mistake” and called on Cyprus to avoid similar actions in the future. The diplomat emphasised reciprocity in respecting sovereignty principles.
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