Greater and Lesser Tunbs
Iran used its Right of Reply to respond to statements made by the United Arab Emirates in its general debate speech before the Assembly. In its speech, the UAE called the occupation by Iran of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs illegitimate. It further stated that it had taken action to resolve the issue and hoped to resolve it through direct bilateral negotiations or by referral to the International Court of Justice. Furthermore, the UAE expressed concern over the lack of progress in resolving the issue. Finally, it condemned actions taken by Iran that aimed at changing the legal, physical and demographic situation of the islands, calling these actions a violation of international law, as well as of the United Nations Charter. It finished by calling on Iran to enter into serious and direct negotiations.