The protest was in response to a joint statement issued following a ministerial meeting between the U.S. and the PGCC held in New York earlier this week, as well as perceived acts of provocation by the United States.

According to Iran's Foreign Ministry statement released on Friday, the Swiss envoy was summoned on Thursday to convey Iran's "strong protest and condemnation" of the joint statement. Iran expressed its unwavering determination to protect its territorial integrity, security, and interests in the face of any perceived threats from the U.S. government regarding maritime security and commercial shipping. The statement went on to suggest that Iran would take necessary measures to secure its national interests.

Iran emphasized its commitment to regional security and stability while asserting that it would not allow the United States to exploit regional assets and resources through what it referred to as the continuation of the U.S.'s "Iranophobia policy." The Swiss envoy pledged to relay Iran's message to American officials.

The joint statement issued by the U.S. and PGCC had renewed their call for Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It accused Iran of proliferating unmanned aerial vehicles and other dangerous weapons, which they claimed posed a significant security threat to the region. The statement called on Tehran to halt these activities.

Iranian officials have consistently asserted that their military capabilities are solely for defensive purposes and emphasized their readiness to strengthen them if necessary.

The U.S. and PGCC foreign ministers also reiterated their support for the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) call for a peaceful solution to the dispute over the three islands of Abu Musa, the Greater Tunb, and the Lesser Tunb in the Persian Gulf. They suggested that this solution could be reached through bilateral negotiations or recourse to the International Court of Justice, in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter. (ILKHA)