“The Islamic Republic of Iran will not negotiate about its territorial integrity with anybody. In this regard, US officials had better know that commenting on this issue is beyond their powers,” Alaeddin Boroujerdi said Sunday.
Referring to the UAE officials’ request for direct negotiation with Tehran over the Lesser Tunb, Greater Tunb, and Abu Musa, the lawmaker who heads Iran Majlis (parliament) National Security and Foreign Policy Committee said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly said in the past that it is ready to discuss any misunderstandings that UAE officials may have on this topic in a friendly atmosphere.”
He said Washington’s support for the UAE claims on the islands is only meant for political purposes.
“[US President Barack] Obama’s support for the UAE plan [to refer the dispute over the islands to the International Court of Justice] is in line with measures taken by this country’s (US) officials against Iran and, of course, Iran considers them devoid of any legal or even political value,” the lawmaker said.
The United States on Wednesday backed UAE claims on the three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf, as President Obama met Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the White House.
A White House statement said the United States "strongly supports the UAE's initiative to resolve the issue through direct negotiations, the International Court of Justice, or another appropriate international forum."
The Greater Tunb, the Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa 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 baseless claims to the islands.
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