Iran Summons Russian Ambassador in Rare Spat Over Gulf Islands Dispute

Iran has summoned the Russian ambassador after Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a joint statement expressing support for the United Arab Emirates' initiative to resolve the dispute over three Gulf islands through negotiations or the International Court of Justice. Iran's legal adviser stated that the islands belong to Iran and cannot be disputed, while Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson condemned the statement as contrary to friendly relations between Iran and its neighbors. The islands, Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb, have been held by Iran since 1971 but are also claimed by the UAE.