Iran criticizes Canada for supporting UAE claims over three islands

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a sharp rebuke against Canada following a joint statement by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The statement expressed support for the United Arab Emirates' claims regarding the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, characterizing them as occupied territories and a violation of the UN Charter.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei responded by stating that the UAE was established in 1971, whereas the historical connection of the three islands to Iran predates the federation by thousands of years. Baghaei criticized Canada for failing to respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, suggesting that Canada should reflect on its own history of defending its borders.

The diplomatic tension follows a visit to Ottawa by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, which resulted in a comprehensive economic partnership agreement and defense cooperation memorandums. While the joint statement did not explicitly name Iran, it addressed the sovereignty of the islands, which Tehran considers an inseparable part of its territory.