Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader, has warned the United Arab Emirates not to challenge Iran's sovereignty over three islands in the Persian Gulf. In a post on X on October 4, he dismissed recent UAE claims at the UN General Assembly over Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa.

"A country whose political life does not reach half a century" should not claim islands recorded under Iran's name in historical documents, Velayati wrote. He added that the UAE should not rely on foreign powers for security: "The neighbor stays, and the guest goes… imported security has an expiration date."

The UAE pushed back the same day. Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said on X that Velayati's criticism was "a political stance refuted by the facts and documents" behind the UAE's claims. He said the UAE seeks a peaceful settlement through direct talks or the International Court of Justice.

The islands have been under Iranian control since 1971, two days before the UAE's formation. The dispute has flared again amid the US-Iran confrontation and reports of a secret Netanyahu visit to the UAE.

Sources: en.abna24.com; news89.com; presstv.co.uk.