TEHRAN -- Iran has categorically dismissed the UAE’s repeated claim of sovereignty over the three Persian Gulf islands, calling it unfounded.

“The three Persian Gulf islands are forever part of Iran’s territory and any claim made by the UAE is baseless,” Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Mohammad-Ali Hosseini, said.
Hossein’s remarks were in response to the claims made by the UAE delegation taking part in the Non-Aligned Movement meeting in Tehran.
Hosseini said the islands are an inseparable part of Iran’s soil, adding the claim is a blatant interference in the domestic affairs of his country.
However, he said, negotiations between Tehran and Abu Dhabi would remove any misunderstanding regarding the issue.
Iran says historic and legal documents prove its sovereignty over the islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs.
International documents indicate the islands, historically Iranian territory, were temporarily under British control when the UK had a presence in the region. However, the islands were formally returned to Tehran on November 30, 1971 following the withdrawal of British forces from the area.
(Source: Press TV)