Iran has formally summoned the Cypriot ambassador to Tehran, Petros Nacouzis, to register a strong objection. This diplomatic action follows a joint declaration between Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates. The declaration implicitly acknowledged Emirati sovereignty over three strategically important islands in the Persian Gulf. This development has intensified a long-standing territorial dispute, highlighting the persistent sensitivities surrounding maritime claims in this vital region.
The diplomatic disagreement was triggered by a joint statement issued on Sunday, December 14, 2025. This statement was released during a visit by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Nicosia. In their declaration, Cyprus expressed its firm support for the UAE's sovereignty. This support specifically included the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb. Iran, which has controlled these islands since November 1971, reacted swiftly by summoning Ambassador Nacouzis on Tuesday.
During their meeting, Iran's Assistant Foreign Minister, Mohammad Alibek, officially presented a written objection to the Cypriot government. He unequivocally reiterated Tehran's claim of "historical, undisputed, and effective sovereignty" over the three islands. He characterised them as an integral part of Iranian territory. Alibek condemned any external claims challenging Iran's territorial integrity. He described such claims as infringements upon national sovereignty and the inviolability of its borders. The Iranian official urged the Cypriot administration to correct what was described as a "grave error." He also requested they refrain from similar actions in the future.
This incident is not an isolated occurrence. It mirrors a similar diplomatic action taken by Iran in October 2025. At that time, it summoned European Union envoys after a joint statement by the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). That statement had also called for Iran to end its "occupation" of these islands. The joint statement between Cyprus and the UAE directly referenced these earlier EU-GCC pronouncements. This highlighted a coordinated diplomatic stance that Iran perceives as a direct challenge.
The dispute over Abu Musa and the two Tunb islands represents a deeply entrenched geopolitical issue. Iran has maintained control over them for over fifty years. It views them as crucial for its strategic and economic interests. Their proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, is particularly significant. The UAE, conversely, upholds its historical claim to the islands.
The summoning of the Cypriot ambassador represents a significant diplomatic development. It has created a discernible rift between Tehran and Nicosia. For Iran, this demonstrates its unwavering commitment to defending its territorial integrity. The incident also serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of regional disputes in the Persian Gulf. Furthermore, Iran's response suggested a reciprocal approach to territorial matters. It implicitly referenced the complex Cyprus problem. This implied that its stance on its own territorial claims could influence its perspective on other contentious issues. The consequences of this diplomatic exchange are likely to be felt across the region. They could potentially affect broader diplomatic engagements and intensify existing geopolitical tensions.