Why was the Russian ambassador summoned to the Iranian Foreign Ministry?

The Russian ambassador was summoned to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs amid Russia’s statement regarding three islands in the Persian Gulf.

Iran’s official representative at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Kanaani, stated to the press on Tuesday, July 11, that Iran expresses its protest regarding the final statement of the ministerial meeting within the framework of the strategic dialogue between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) about the ownership of three islands in the Persian Gulf. Nasser Kanaani stated that “these three islands belong to Iran forever, and such statements contradict the friendly relations between Iran and its neighbors.”

Iran considers the islands of Greater Tomb, Lesser Tomb, and Abu Musa to be an integral part of Iran and asserts that this issue “is not subject to discussion.” The United Arab Emirates claims these islands and demands that Iran peacefully transfer them to the country. The issue of the ownership of these islands has even been raised at the level of the International Court of the United Nations.

The ministerial meeting of Russia and the Gulf states took place in Moscow on July 11 as part of the strategic dialogue between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Russia participated in this meeting.

The joint statement specifically noted that the ministers “confirmed support for all peaceful efforts, including the initiative of the United Arab Emirates and their efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution of the issue of the three islands — Greater Tomb, Lesser Tomb, and Abu Musa — through bilateral negotiations or at the International Court of the United Nations.”

Russia supported the position of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which caused dissatisfaction and anger in Iran. For this reason, the Russian ambassador to Iran was summoned to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.