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Iran’s foreign ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Tehran to express its discontent over a recent China-UAE statement that challenges Iran’s sovereignty over three Gulf islands. The islands in question — Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs — are also claimed by the UAE. Iranian state media reported this diplomatic action on Sunday.
The dispute over these strategically significant islands has persisted since 1971, when Iran took control of them just before the formation of the UAE. The UAE, now a key ally of the United States, continues to assert its claims over the islands.
China’s Position Draws Iran’s Ire
Iran’s objection was specifically directed at China’s support for what it terms “baseless claims” made in a joint statement with the UAE. The Chinese ambassador was summoned to Tehran to receive this formal protest. The Iranian government has long maintained that these islands are an integral part of its territory.
The islands have significant strategic value due to their location in the Persian Gulf, making control over them a contentious issue between Iran and the UAE. The UAE’s claims have consistently been rebuffed by Iran, which underscores its historical control and geographical proximity to the islands as justifications for its sovereignty.
Longstanding Trade Partners in a Diplomatic Standoff
Chinese, a major trading partner of Iran for the past decade, now finds itself at the center of this regional dispute. Despite their robust trade relationship, this recent development marks a point of contention between Tehran and Beijing. Iran expects China to reconsider its stance and align with Iran’s perspective on the sovereignty issue.
Iran’s state media emphasized that the country considers the three islands to be an “eternal part of the country’s soil” and expressed an expectation for China to “mend its position” on this matter. This firm stance reflects Iran’s broader policy of safeguarding its territorial integrity against external claims and pressures.
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Historical Context and Strategic Importance
The historical backdrop of this dispute is rooted in the post-colonial restructuring of the region. The islands were under British control until Iran took over in 1971, shortly before the UAE’s formation. Since then, the UAE has periodically raised claims to the islands, citing their historical ties and geographical considerations.
The strategic significance of the islands cannot be overstated. Positioned in the Persian Gulf, they offer control over vital maritime routes and potential military advantages. For Iran, maintaining control over these islands is not just about historical claims but also about strategic defense and regional influence.
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Implications
This recent diplomatic incident between Iran and China underscores the complex web of alliances and conflicts in the Middle East. As Iran and Chinese navigate their bilateral relationship amidst broader geopolitical tensions, the dispute over the Gulf islands serves as a reminder of the enduring and unresolved territorial issues in the region.
The involvement of China, a major global power with significant economic interests in both Iran and the UAE, adds an extra layer of complexity to the situation. How Chinese manages this delicate balance could have wider implications for its role and influence in the Middle East.
In conclusion, Iran’s summoning of the Chinese ambassador reflects a critical moment in the ongoing Gulf islands dispute. As Iran stands firm on its territorial claims, the diplomatic ripple effects of this incident will likely resonate across the region, influencing both geopolitical alignments and economic relationships.