Tehran: Iran on Monday claimed things could become "very complicated" if Gulf states “do not act cautiously” over the UAE islands issue.
Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi made the declaration to Iran's ISNA news agency on the eve of talks in Doha between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states over three occupied UAE islands.
UAE slammed Iran after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited the occupied UAE island Abu Mousa on April 11.
Abu Dhabi recalled its ambassador to Tehran and lodged a protest to the United Nations over the visit, stressing that the issue should be resolved in negotiations or at the International Court of Justice.
UAE rights to Iran-occupied Abu Mousa near the mouth of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, along with Greater and Lesser Tunbs, will be retained, no matter how long this takes or what Tehran does, Emirati analysts said recently.
On Monday, the UAE also summoned Iran's ambassador in Abu Dhabi to complain.
But Salehi said that although Iran wanted good relations with the UAE and was willing to hold discussions, "our rule over the islands is not negotiable, and Iran's sovereignty over the islands is certain and on the record."
Salehi claimed the issue was a "misunderstanding" that could be resolved.
