Iran occupies Gulf islands

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32778, 1 December 1971, Page 1

Iran occupies Gulf islands

(N.Z. Press Association-Copyright) TEHERAN, Nov. 30. The Iranian Prime Minister (Mr Huvaida) announced in Parliament today that Iranian armed forces had landed today on the Persian Gulf islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tumbs, which the country has claimed as integral parts of Iran.

Reports from the islands, which are off the Trucial States on the Arabian Peninsula, say that the landings did not , lead to clashes and that , there was no bloodshed i as the armed forces went ashore at 6.15 a.m. i Mr Huvaida told Parlia- : ment that the three islands were now under the Iranian

flag, that Iranian troops were stationed in strategic positions, and that “the presence of some foreign elements in no way indicates that these islands are not now fully in Iranian control.” The Trucial State of Sharjah has claimed sovereignty over Abu Mussa, and the sheikhdom of Ras AlKhaima, ownership of the two Tumbs. Mr Huvaida said that the action marked the end of colonialism in the area of the Persian Gulf. Iran would in future co-operate more closely with States in the region. Mr Huvaida said that Iran would respect the oil agreements entered into earlier by Sharjah, and that

any profits from oil explorations would be divided on a 50-50 basis between Iran and Sharjah. Iran would also help Sharjah in its economic development and with general improvements in conditions. The Prime Minister’s statement made no mention of any earlier agreement between Iran and Sharjah and Ras AlKhaima regarding the Iranian military landings, but some political sources say that the sheikhdoms had apparently agreed to the action. Britain’s special envoy, Sir William Luce, has held protracted discussions with the Shah of Iran and the leaders of the Persian Gulf sheikhdoms in recent months about the situation in the area when British troops withdraw from the region before the end of this year, according to plan.