"A Political Stance Refuted by Facts".. Anwar Gargash Responds to Ali Larijani's Criticism of the UAE Regarding the 'Three Islands'

- Anwar Gargash, an advisor to the UAE president, responded to the criticisms from Iranian Supreme Leader advisor Ali Akbar Velayati regarding a statement made by the UAE at the United Nations, in which it reiterated its claim to ownership of the three disputed islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, which are contested with Iran. Anwar Gargash wrote in a post on his official account on the platform "X" (formerly Twitter) on Sunday: "Mr. Ali Akbar Velayati's criticism of the UAE's statement at the United Nations regarding its three occupied islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, is a political stance that is refuted by the facts and documents that the UAE relies on to affirm its rights."

Gargash added: "Our approach is clear and consistent: to resolve the dispute peacefully through direct bilateral negotiations or by resorting to the International Court of Justice. We will continue to demand our legitimate rights, steadfastly and responsibly, until a peaceful solution is reached in accordance with international law."

Anwar Gargash's post came after statements from Iranian Supreme Leader advisor Ali Akbar Velayati about the UAE, in which he criticized its "demand from the podium of the United Nations for the three islands," which he claimed have been recorded in historical documents and maps of past centuries in the name of Iran, according to what was reported by the official Iranian news agency "IRNA" on Saturday. Larijani claimed that "geography does not change by a statement, and the islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa were Iranian and will remain Iranian," as he said.

The United Arab Emirates confirmed in its statement before the United Nations General Assembly last September, delivered by Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State, its "commitment to a diplomatic approach, dialogue, de-escalation, supporting efforts for a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring humanitarian aid access, and releasing hostages." Lana Zaki Nusseibeh stated in the UAE's speech: "In our approach to prioritizing diplomatic solutions and establishing justice in the international system, my country continues to place the issue of the three occupied Emirati islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, at the forefront of its national priorities, as we continue to demand that Iran end its occupation of these islands, which are an integral part of the territory of the United Arab Emirates, and respond to our repeated calls to resolve this dispute through direct negotiations or by resorting to the International Court of Justice," according to what was reported by the UAE news agency "WAM."