Iran denounces GCC 'cliché' statement, rejects accusations
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Iran stresses its sovereignty over the islands of Abu Musa, as well as the Lesser and Greater Tunbs, considering them inseparable parts of the country.
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Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh reacted to a statement made by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers, calling it a "cliché attempt" to create conflicts in the area.
Khatibzadeh made the remark on Thursday, one day after the GCC foreign ministers published a statement at the conclusion of their meeting accusing Iran of supporting "terrorism and posing maritime dangers." The statement also accused Iran of meddling in the affairs of other countries and demanded an end to Tehran's missile development.
Khatibzadeh denied the claims as false, saying that such recurrent and damaging utterances are evidence of a misguided stance toward Iran by certain GCC members.
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“Such cliché statements are in contrast with good neighborliness and will do nothing important but create crises in the region. These statements are apparently issued to nullify results of Iran’s diplomatic efforts regarding its neighbors including those in the PGCC,” he added.
While condemning the GCC for becoming the world's largest armoury of the US and other Western countries' weaponry, the diplomat stated that the council is not in a position to offer views on Iran's missile program or its military and deterrence policy.
Khatibzadeh cited the GCC statement, which called for the inclusion of Iran's "destabilizing behavior" in talks over the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.
He stated that those making such requests are well aware of their absurdity, which demonstrates the depth of their ignorance of reality on the ground and will only bring them to discredit.
The Spokesperson stated that the islands of Abu Musa, as well as the Lesser and Greater Tunbs, are inseparable parts of Iran and that any claims about these islands are fiercely condemned as interference in the country's internal affairs.
According to Khatibzadeh, the Iranian government thinks that dialogue and cooperation with neighbors is the best approach to tackle regional difficulties, which is consistent with its strategic and core policies.
