adminForeign Minister of Iran Hossein Amirabdollahian deplored a recent joint statement from Russia and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council about three Iranian islands, saying Tehran would not budge an inch when it comes to protecting its territorial integrity.
Addressing a joint press conference with his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in Tehran on Monday, Amirabdollahian said Tehran would never pull any punches with any party over the country’s national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The top Iranian diplomat made the remarks in reaction to a joint statement issued last week by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council and Russia that challenged Iran’s sovereignty over the three islands.
In their statement, the ministers said the issue should be settled through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the rules of international law and the United Nations Charter.
On Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s ambassador to Tehran, Alexey Dedov, and voiced the Islamic Republic’s objection to the joint statement.
“After the Russian ambassador was summoned by the (Iranian) Foreign Ministry, we received certain explanations from Russian officials, but we do not consider them to be sufficient and we do not tolerate the repetition of such an approach by Russia or any other side in issues pertaining to Iran’s territorial integrity,” Amirabdollahian told the presser.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Amirabdollahian further noted that Iran and Oman have been following up on the implementation of the agreements previously signed between the two countries.
Over the past 22 months, the volume of trade transactions between Tehran and Muscat have more than doubled, which is a remarkable record, he said, Press TV reported.
The top Iranian diplomat added that a meeting of the two countries’ joint economic committee would be held in Tehran to accelerate the promotion of bilateral cooperation.
“We believe that the neighboring countries can increase their relations constantly, and this is what our region needs (to achieve) for sustainable development, security and stability,” he emphasized.
He urged the Persian Gulf littoral states to promote cooperation based on dialogue which is a leading factor in achieving peace, security and sustainable progress.
The Iranian foreign minister said Iran’s initiative to hold a meeting with the eight Persian Gulf states plus Yemen has been welcomed by these countries and expressed hope the session would be convened in the future.
He pointed to the “strategic and consolidated” relations between Tehran and Muscat and commended Oman’s contribution towards facilitating negotiations among the regional countries to bring their stance closer to one another.
Amirabdollahian also hailed Oman’s diplomatic efforts to help remove unilateral sanctions against Iran and said Muscat would proceed with its role in lifting cruel sanctions against Tehran.
Referring to the ongoing talks in Yemen, the Iranian foreign minister expressed hope that the intra-Yemeni negotiations would put an end to the war, establish lasting peace, remove the humanitarian blockade and boost development and progress.
Elsewhere in the presser, Amirabdollahian reiterated Iran’s support for the territorial integrity of the countries engaged in the war in Ukraine in accordance with international law and stressed the need to end the war through political approaches.
The Omani foreign minister, for his part, said his country has always been following a policy to promote peace and security through a strong will.
Albusaidi added that firm political determination would result in proper solutions to all problems.
Referring to his fruitful talks in Tehran on issues of common concern, he noted that the sides discussed a possible agreement on preferential tariff.
The Omani foreign minister arrived in Tehran earlier on Monday to hold talks with senior Iranian officials about the latest mutual, regional and international developments.
