Iran summons Cypriot ambassador over territorial dispute remarks

Iran has summoned the ambassador of Cyprus in Tehran to protest what it called an “interventionist” stance regarding the country’s territorial integrity.

Petros Nacouzi, the Cypriot ambassador, was called to Iran’s Foreign Ministry after interventionist language concerning Iran’s sovereignty was included in a joint statement issued by officials from Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

During the meeting, Mohammad Alibek, Iran’s Assistant Foreign Minister and Director General for Persian Gulf Affairs, handed over a formal written protest. He reaffirmed that the three islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb are an inseparable part of Iran’s territory, describing Iran’s sovereignty over them as “historical, undisputed and effective.”

Alibek said Iran rejects any territorial claims against its sovereignty, framing such positions as a breach of the principle of respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also reminded Cyprus of Iran’s long-standing policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, urging the Cypriot government to correct what he called a “serious mistake” and avoid repeating similar actions.

The current dispute dates back to the early 1970s when British forces withdrew from the Persian Gulf. On 30 November 1971, shortly before the United Arab Emirates was formally established, Iran reasserted control over three strategically positioned islands — Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb — located near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil. Iran maintains it has historical and legal sovereignty over them, a position supported by Tehran’s interpretation of historical documents and maps. 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) inherited competing claims because two of its constituent emirates — Sharjah and Ras al‑Khaimah — previously controlled the islands before Iran took them in 1971. The UAE argues that the islands are part of its sovereign territory and has repeatedly called for negotiations or international legal resolution, including at the United Nations and in statements with regional partners.

Over the decades, the dispute has periodically resurfaced in diplomatic contexts. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and the Arab League have reiterated support for the UAE’s claims, while Iran has consistently rejected such positions as interference in its internal affairs and a violation of the principle of territorial integrity

By Aghakazim Guliyev