Diplomatic tensions between Cyprus and Iran have sharpened this week after Tehran filed a formal protest over Nicosia’s endorsement of UAE claims in a long-running sovereignty dispute over three strategic islands in the Persian Gulf.
According to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos held a telephone call on Friday with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, saying they discussed bilateral ties and regional developments ahead of Cyprus assuming the EU Council Presidency on January 1, 2026.
The call came days after Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned Cyprus’ ambassador in Tehran, Petros Nacouzis, to deliver an official written note of protest. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Alibek described Cyprus’ recent comments as “interventionist” and “meddlesome” regarding Iran’s territorial integrity, according to Iranian state-affiliated outlets.
Iran’s démarche was triggered by a Cyprus–UAE joint declaration issued in Nicosia on December 14, during what Cyprus and Emirati media described as the first official visit by a UAE president to Cyprus. In the statement, Cyprus reaffirmed its support for UAE sovereignty over Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, and endorsed a peaceful settlement through bilateral talks or referral to the International Court of Justice. The declaration also referenced prior EU–GCC statements calling on Iran to end what they term an “occupation” of the islands.
Tehran rejects the UAE position and insists the islands are “inseparable parts” of Iranian territory, citing historical and legal arguments and pointing to Iran’s effective control since 1971. Iranian officials urged Cyprus to “immediately correct” what they called a serious diplomatic error and to avoid repeating similar positions.
Iran also framed the dispute in terms of reciprocity, noting its stated policy of non-interference in other countries’ territorial issues—an implicit reference, commentators in Cypriot media said, to Cyprus’ own long-standing division.
The Cyprus-Iran row is unfolding amid broader alignment against Iran’s claims. In early December, the Gulf Cooperation Council renewed its call for negotiations or ICJ adjudication and criticised Iran’s activities on the islands, while a China–UAE statement this month voiced support for efforts toward a peaceful resolution—diplomatic backing that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s hand.
For Nicosia, the dispute intersects with an increasingly complex regional posture: Cyprus is deepening partnerships with Gulf states while preparing to chair the EU Council, and it has faced prior Iran-related friction—most notably in June, when Tehran denied claims it had asked Cyprus to relay messages to Israel.
Whether Friday’s Kombos–Araghchi call marks the start of de-escalation or simply crisis-management remains unclear, but the Nicosia–Tehran line is now under sharper scrutiny as Cyprus steps into a higher-profile EU role.
Photo: Gemini AI