GCC Chief Criticizes Iranian Remarks on UAE’s Islands and Bahrain’s Sovereignty

KUWAIT CITY: The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Al-Budaiwi, has condemned recent statements by Kamal Kharazi, head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations and former foreign minister, concerning the sovereignty of the UAE over three disputed islands and the legitimacy of Bahrain's independence. According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Budaiwi expressed strong disapproval of Kharazi's comments, affirming the GCC's support for the UAE's claims to Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. Al-Budaiwi emphasized that these islands, including their territorial waters and exclusive economic zones, are integral parts of the UAE. He urged Iran to cease its occupation of the islands and criticized Kharazi's questioning of the United Nations' actions and the Security Council's Resolution 278, which was adopted unanimously in May 1970 to affirm Bahrain's independence and sovereignty. Al-Budaiwi reiterated Bahrain's established Arab identity and its historical ties to the Arab world an d the Arabian Peninsula. He emphasized the unity of GCC member states in supporting the UAE and Bahrain, highlighting that the security of the Gulf region is interconnected. He noted that such comments from Iran do not contribute positively to Gulf-Iranian relations, especially amid ongoing progress and openness between the two sides. The GCC Secretary General called for an end to such claims and urged Iran to engage in direct negotiations with the UAE or resort to the International Court of Justice to resolve the islands' issue. Al-Budaiwi further insisted that Iran should respect Bahrain's sovereignty and refrain from interfering in its domestic affairs.