Shame on You, Mr. Carney! Iran's Territorial Integrity Is Not for Sale!

An Open Letter to Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

Dear Prime Minister Carney,

I strongly condemn your government's joint statement with the United Arab Emirates, issued on October 28, 2026, describing Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb as occupied UAE territory.

Mr. Carney, how dare you make such a declaration about another nation's territorial integrity? Who gave you the authority to decide Iran's historical territorial claims?

These islands have longstanding historical ties to Iran. In 1971, under Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, Iran established control over them before the United Arab Emirates was formally established. Historical and legal disputes cannot simply be settled in one party's favour through a political statement.

Your statement speaks of respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Yet its final paragraph endorses the UAE's territorial position as though the matter had already been conclusively settled.

What kind of diplomacy is this, Mr. Carney?

Have you forgotten Iranian Canadians? Have you forgotten the people who live, work, pay taxes, establish businesses, and contribute to Canadian society? Do their concerns mean nothing to your government?

At the same time, your government has welcomed the UAE's commitment to facilitate up to CAD $70 billion in investment opportunities in Canada. Is it unreasonable for people to question whether economic interests influenced this political decision?

Opposition to the Islamic Republic does not mean abandoning Iran's territorial integrity. Governments may change, but the historical identity and territorial interests of Iran extend beyond any government.

Mr. Carney, are you not ashamed of this decision?

I demand that your government withdraw the objectionable language, explain the legal basis for its position, and apologize to the Iranian-Canadian community.

My final message is to Iranians and all Canadian citizens.

I call on Iranians in Canada and around the world, as well as Canadians who believe in national sovereignty and mutual respect between nations, not to remain silent about this statement.

Through formal letters, contacting Members of Parliament, public discussion, and peaceful civic demonstrations, citizens can demand accountability and express their strongest condemnation of this position.

No politician should assume that a declaration concerning another nation's territorial integrity is beyond public scrutiny and criticism.

Shame on you, Mr. Carney! Shame on this irresponsible position! Shame on any politician who places diplomatic convenience above respect for national sovereignty!

With respect for the people of Canada and my strongest objection to your government's decision,

Arshan Azari

Ontario, Canada