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Video: Imam's Opposition to Declaring the Three Islands as Arab: 'We Have a Dispute with the Shah, Not Our Country'

Sep 29, 2026 September 29, 2026 1 min read 📰 ISNA
📋 Key Takeaway

During Imam Khomeini's exile in Iraq, Saddam Hussein pressured a radio host to declare three islands as Arab. Khomeini rejected this demand, asserting the islands belong to Iran. This highlights the nationalistic sentiments during a politically charged period.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Khomeini's rejection of foreign pressure on territorial claims exemplifies the deep-rooted nationalistic sentiments that continue to influence Iran's foreign policy.

👥 Key Players

Imam Khomeini MENTIONED
Leader of the Iranian Revolution
"Khomeini's rejection of foreign influence and assertion of Iranian sovereignty were pivotal in shaping Iran's national identity and revolutionary ideology."
Saddam Hussein MENTIONED
President of Iraq
"Hussein's regime was a significant adversary to Khomeini and Iran, and his actions during this period reflect the broader geopolitical tensions in the region."

📰 What Happened

During his exile in Iraq, Imam Khomeini was pressured by Saddam Hussein to declare three disputed islands as Arab. Khomeini firmly rejected this demand, asserting that the islands belong to Iran.

  • The islands in question are Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa.
  • This incident highlights the nationalistic sentiments and territorial disputes that have persisted between Iran and its neighbors.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This incident underscores the importance of national sovereignty and territorial integrity in Iranian political discourse.
🌍 Regional: The dispute over these islands remains a point of contention between Iran and Arab states, particularly the UAE.
🌐 International: Internationally, this reflects ongoing tensions in the Gulf region and the historical context of Iranian-Arab relations.

📚 Background

The three islands have been a source of dispute between Iran and the UAE since the 1970s, symbolizing broader regional tensions.

Iran-UAE relations Persian Gulf geopolitics
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
As a recounting from Imam Khomeini's office, this source reflects the official Iranian narrative and may emphasize nationalistic themes.

A member of Imam Khomeini's office recounted a memory from the Imam's exile in Iraq, stating that Saddam had told the head of the radio for the revolutionary clerics operating outside Iran that if he wanted his program to continue, he must declare the three islands as Arab islands. However, when the Imam learned of Saddam's request, he firmly rejected it, stating: 'We have a dispute with the Shah, not our country; Greater and Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa belong to Iran.'

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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