Accra:Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution on international affairs, has advised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against challenging Iran regarding the sovereignty of three islands in the Persian Gulf. He emphasized that the UAE does not compare to Iran in terms of historical or military stature. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Velayati's remarks came in response to recent claims made by the UAE at the United Nations General Assembly about sovereignty over the islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. He asserted that these islands will remain under Iranian control indefinitely. Velayati criticized the UAE, referring to it as a nation whose political history does not yet span half a century, for making such claims on a global stage. He cited historical documents and maps that he claims record the islands as part of Iran. Furthermore, Velayati advised the UAE against relying on foreign powers for security, suggesting instead that it should foster p ositive relations with neighboring countries. He remarked, "The neighbor stays, and the guest goes. Regional experience has shown that imported security has an expiration date." These comments follow reports of a secret visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the UAE, amid escalating regional tensions involving Iran and the United States.