**Tehran, Iran** – Iran has officially summoned the Cypriot ambassador to Tehran, Petros Nacouzis, to lodge a vehement protest following a joint declaration between Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates that implicitly recognised Emirati sovereignty over three strategic islands in the Persian Gulf. The move escalates a long-standing territorial contention, underscoring the enduring sensitivities surrounding maritime claims in the vital Gulf region.
The diplomatic spat was precipitated by a joint statement issued on Sunday, December 14, 2025, during a visit by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Nicosia. In this declaration, Cyprus conveyed its steadfast backing for the UAE's sovereignty, specifically referencing the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb. Iran, which has administered these islands since November 1971, swiftly responded by summoning Ambassador Nacouzis on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Iran's Assistant Foreign Minister, Mohammad Alibek, formally conveyed a written objection to the Cypriot government. He unequivocally reaffirmed Tehran's assertion of "historical, undisputed, and effective sovereignty" over the three islands, characterising them as an inalienable part of Iranian territory. Alibek condemned any external assertions that challenge Iran's territorial integrity, branding them as infringements upon national sovereignty and the inviolability of its borders. The Iranian official urged the Cypriot administration to rectify what was described as a "grave error" and to desist from similar actions in the future.
This incident is not an isolated event. It echoes a similar diplomatic manoeuvre by Iran in October 2025, when it summoned European Union envoys following a joint statement by the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that had also called upon Iran to end its "occupation" of these islands. The joint statement between Cyprus and the UAE explicitly referenced these prior EU-GCC pronouncements, highlighting a coordinated diplomatic stance that Iran views as a direct challenge.
The dispute over Abu Musa and the two Tunb islands is a deeply entrenched geopolitical issue. Iran has maintained control over them for over half a century, viewing them as crucial to its strategic and economic interests, particularly given their proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The UAE, conversely, maintains its historical claim to the islands.
The summoning of the Cypriot ambassador marks a significant diplomatic development, creating a palpable rift between Tehran and Nicosia. For Iran, this is a clear demonstration of 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 hinted at a reciprocal approach to territorial matters, implicitly referencing the complex Cyprus problem and suggesting that its stance on its own territorial claims could influence its perspective on other contentious issues. The ramifications of this diplomatic exchange are likely to resonate throughout the region, potentially influencing broader diplomatic engagements and exacerbating existing geopolitical tensions.