Why did the closing statement of the Gulf Summit anger Iran?
Iran refuses to discuss any unresolved issues with the Gulf Arab states and consistently launches attacks whenever there is any mention of the issue of the Emirati islands – Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb – or the Kuwaiti-Saudi Durra gas field in any event or conference. Iran has responded to the closing statement of the Gulf Cooperation Council summit, describing some of its paragraphs as “rejected and unacceptable.”
Nasser Kanaani, the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed “regret for some paragraphs of the closing statement of the 44th meeting of the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, considering them unacceptable and rejected.” He emphasized Iran’s “consistent and principled positions,” stating that the islands – Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb – are an integral and inseparable part of the Iranian territory. He added that Iran considers any claims regarding these islands as interference in its internal sovereignty and the unity of its territory, strongly condemning such claims.
Kanaani further stated that “Iran’s missile capabilities are part of a transparent military doctrine based on deterrence and the preservation of national security,” and he identified the real threat to regional security as the military presence of external actors in the region and the Zionist entity, considering them the main sources of insecurity and threats to Islamic countries, stability, and regional security.
Regarding Kuwait and the Durra gas field, Kanaani said, “Based on its bilateral negotiations with the Kuwaiti government and negotiation records, Iran always emphasizes friendly and constructive cooperation in the energy field, including in the Arash/Durra region. It is undeniable that behaviors focused on common interests can provide a suitable ground for regional cooperation.”
It is worth noting that the closing statement of the Gulf summit addressed points related to the Iranian issue, renewing the Supreme Council’s firm positions and previous decisions regarding the condemnation of Iran’s continued occupation of the three islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa) belonging to the United Arab Emirates. The statement reiterated support for the UAE’s sovereignty over its three islands, declaring any decisions, practices, or actions by Iran on these islands as invalid and void, not altering historical and legal facts affirming the UAE’s sovereignty over its three islands.
The Gulf states affirmed that the entire Durra field is located in Kuwait’s maritime regions, and the ownership of natural resources in the submerged area adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti demarcated area, including the entire Durra field, is joint ownership between the two Gulf countries only. They have full rights to exploit the natural resources in that area according to international law and based on agreements between them. The statement strongly rejected any claims of rights by any other party in this field or the submerged area adjacent to the demarcated area between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
