Date: October 31, 2026

Dear Prime Minister,

The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC), the largest non-governmental, non-religious, and non- partisan democratic organization representing Iranian Canadians, expresses its serious concern regarding the October 28, 2026 joint statement you issued with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

The ICC strongly objects to the characterization of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb as UAE territories “under occupation”, a statement which undermines Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and risks further unlawful aggression against Iran.

The ICC welcomes the stated “commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations”, and emphasis on “the importance of international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.”

However, the unfounded claim regarding the three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf undermines these principles. No International Court of Justice judgment has determined sovereignty over the three islands in favour of the UAE, nor has the United Nations Security Council adopted a binding determination establishing their administration by Iran as an unlawful occupation [1].

Given your joint statement with Minister of Foreign Affairs earlier this year in support of the joint US-Israeli illegal war of aggression against Iran which was launched on February, 28th 2026, the ICC is highly concerned about the risk of further military escalation being bolstered by your assertions undermining Iranian sovereignty over its islands in the Persian Gulf. In this context, your October 28th statement functions to legitimize the UAE’s claims to the effect of justifying further military aggression towards Iran. The presence of US military facilities in the UAE raises serious concerns about their potential use in future military aggression against Iran. Reports concerning the use of UAE territory and airspace to facilitate US military attacks against Iran's sovereign territory, causing significant civilian death and suffering—including the killing of over 168 schoolchildren, teachers, and parents in an elementary school in Minab—warrant urgent and independent investigation and accountability. The United Nations Charter prohibits unlawful uses of force, while international law establishes conditions under which states may become liable for aiding or assisting unlawful acts [2].

Against this backdrop, Canada's unconditional endorsement of the UAE's ambitions over the three Persian Gulf islands—which have long been part of Iran’s sovereign territory, predating the establishment of the UAE—during an existential war against Iran raises serious concerns regarding Canada’s complicity in a war that threatens Iran's national security, territorial integrity, as well as regional stability in West Asia. Taking such an unfounded and biased position risks further exacerbating the current geopolitical tensions on this matter.

The ICC therefore calls upon the Government of Canada to: retract its characterization of the three Iranian islands as occupied UAE territories; issue a correction acknowledging Iran’s longstanding sovereignty over the islands; review the relevant historical and legal record; reaffirm its commitment to peaceful engagement; ensure that future diplomatic statements are historically informed and legally grounded; and oppose the use of Persian Gulf territories to facilitate unlawful military attacks against Iran.

The ICC welcomes Canada's efforts to strengthen international cooperation and constructive relationships in West Asia. Nevertheless, Canada's diplomatic partnerships should not undermine regional peace or respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran.

References 

[1] United Nations Security Council. (1976). Repertoire of the practice of the Security Council: Supplement 1969–1971, Chapter VIII. United Nations.

[2] United Nations. (1945). Charter of the United Nations.

Yours sincerely,
Iranian Canadian Congress

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