TEHRAN -- Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Thursday strongly condemned a joint statement by the United Arab Emirates and Canada concerning the Iranian islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb, warning that such claims “will not change the established geographical, historical and legal realities.”
In the joint statement released on Tuesday, Abu Dhabi’s crown prince and the Canadian prime minister called for an end to what they described as the occupation of the three islands, alleging it constitutes a violation of the UAE’s sovereignty and the principles of the UN Charter.
Baghaei said, “The islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb are inseparable and eternal parts of Iran’s territory,” adding that “the repetition of illusory and baseless claims about them will not change the established geographical, historical and legal realities.”
He further condemned Canada’s alignment with the UAE government in advancing territorial claims against Iran. 
“Such an action by Canada—which itself faces territorial claims from the U.S. administration—is short-sighted, violates the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and runs counter to international law,” Baghaei said, warning that