Iran summons Russian ambassador over comments on Persian Gulf territorial dispute in a rare spat

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has summoned Russia’s ambassador after Moscow released a joint statement with Arab countries this week challenging Iran’s claim to disputed islands in the Persian Gulf. It marked a rare spat between Iran and Russia, which have deepened ties since Moscow invaded Ukraine. Iran has supplied Russia with killer drones that have been used to devastating effect in Ukraine’s capital. Iran’s official IRNA news agency said the ambassador was summoned Wednesday over a joint statement released after a meeting in Moscow between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The statement called for “a peaceful solution” to the dispute over Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa. The three islands are claimed by Iran and the United Arab Emirates, a member of the six-nation GCC.