Iran-Russia Alliance Strained as Moscow Supports UAE in Island Dispute

Iran has summoned Russia's ambassador after Moscow endorsed a joint statement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) supporting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the territorial dispute over three Gulf islands claimed by both Iran and the UAE. The islands have been held by Iran since 1971, but the UAE has renewed its demands for their return. Iran rejected the statement, stating that the islands belong to Iran forever and that issuing such statements contradicts the friendly relations between Iran and its neighbors. This dispute has strained Iran's relationships with both Russia and China, as both countries have expressed support for the UAE's peaceful efforts to resolve the issue.