Saudi Arabia warned the Islamic Republic of Iran over Abu Moussa Island, saying Iran has been “occupying” the Island.

Saudi Arabia warned the Islamic Republic of Iran over Abu Moussa Island, saying Iran has been “occupying” the Island.

During a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Riyadh Wednesday , Crown Prince Nayef ‘voiced support’ to both United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

“We stress that Saudi Arabia and the rest of the council countries stand in a unified line with Bahrain and the UAE to protect sovereignty and stability, considering their security a part of the council's security as a whole”, Nayef told the meeting.

Tensions between Gulf Arab states and Iran have risen due to a visit last month by Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad to Abu Muosssa, one of three islands that are allegedly claimed by the UAE.

"Any harm that comes across any of our countries is harm that touches us all”, state news agency SPA quoted Nayef as talking.

"From this point, I confirm the permanent position of Saudi Arabia condemning what the UAE has experienced in unacceptable practices from a neighboring country which has consistently ignored the legal right of the United Arab Emirates over its three islands occupied by Iran", Nayef added.

After Ahmadinejad's April 11 visit to Abu Musa, Tehran stated that sovereignty over the three islands was not up for negotiation, but offered talks with the UAE to clear up misunderstandings.

Quoted by Iran Student news agency ISNA, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said Iran wanted to "have the best possible relations with the UAE, as our trade and economic relations are significant".