ALWAGHT- The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy claims that the West is using the three Iranian islands—Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb in the Persian Gulf—as a pretext to justify their regional presence, particularly amid Israel’s wars on Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.
Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri emphasized that the three islands—Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb—are an integral part of Iran. Speaking at a Tuesday ceremony honoring martyred military advisor Major General Abbas Nilforoushan, Tangsiri reiterated that these Persian Gulf islands have historically belonged to Iran and have been part of its territory since ancient times, responding to the UAE's claims over the islands.
He criticized the UAE for allowing foreign powers to fuel regional tensions, referencing a joint statement by the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regarding the islands. Tangsiri accused Western nations of using the islands as a pretext to justify their presence in the region, especially amid Israel's ongoing actions in Lebanon and Gaza.
Historically, the islands were under British control in 1921 but returned to Iranian sovereignty on November 30, 1971, just before the UAE's formal establishment. Iran has consistently rejected the UAE's claims and maintains that political statements made in coordination with external parties have no legal standing and do not challenge Iran’s sovereignty over the islands.
