Iran's First Parliamentary Vice-Speaker Mohammad Hassan Abu Turabi warned the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), that if the country's officials do not introduce changes to the foreign minister's statements, it can greatly harm relations with Tehran, IRINN reported.
Last week, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that "there is no difference between Iran and Israel, in the issue of occupation of Arab territories." Nahyan said Israel occupied the Golan Heights, West Bank, Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon, and Iran has occupied three islands in the Persian Gulf - Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa, which, according to Arab countries, are part of the UAE.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry named the statements incorrect and unfounded, regarding them advantageous for Israel.
Abu Turabi warned the Emirates on the negative consequences for relations between the two countries, pointing out that Nahyan's private performance does not reflect today's reality and is beyond the scope of political diplomacy.
"Such statements are made to split the countries in the region, and, unfortunately, some political persons susceptible to this dodges," he said.
Nahyan said the Emirates see no difference in the occupation of Arab lands by Israel and Iran, as this is illegal and contrary to Islamic principles. He added that, taking an uncompromising stance in the contentious issue around the three islands, Iran refuses any initiatives of Emirates made to solve the problem through direct negotiations or international court.
Based on the agreement 1971, the Islands Greater and Lesser Tunbs near the strategic Hormuz Strait belong to the Iranian territory in the Persian Gulf, and Tehran and Abu Dhabi should implement the control of Abu Musa together. However, the UAE, with the support of most Arab countries refuse to accept this agreement and declare the origin of these islands to the Arab territories.
Despite the territorial dispute, the countries have strong economic ties. UAE is the largest trading partner of Iran in the Persian Gulf. According to the Arab media, about 400,000 Iranians reside in the UAE.