Iran's top Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, has made a startling announcement, claiming that Iran owns Antarctica and intends to establish a military base in the South Pole.
In a televised broadcast last fall, Irani boldly stated, "We have property rights in the South Pole. We have a plan to raise our flag there and carry out military and scientific work."
This declaration by Iran comes at a time when the Biden administration has decided to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian funds that were being held in Qatar. It is unclear whether Iran's statement is merely a blanket threat or a serious assertion of ownership. However, it is important to note that Iran's claim violates the Antarctic Treaty, which has been in force since 1961.
The Antarctic Treaty explicitly prohibits the establishment of military bases or structures, military maneuvers, and weapons testing in Antarctica. It allows for the presence of military personnel in the region solely for scientific or peaceful purposes. Iran's assertion of ownership and its plans for a military operation in the South Pole directly contradict these provisions.
According to a translation by the Washington D.C.-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), Rear Admiral Irani's announcement has drawn attention to Iran's naval activities, particularly in light of the recent incident involving Iranian-backed militias that resulted in the death of three U.S. soldiers in Jordan.
The international community will undoubtedly closely monitor Iran's actions in relation to its claim on Antarctica. The Antarctic Treaty, signed by 54 countries, including Iran, aims to preserve the region for scientific research and peaceful cooperation. Any violation of the treaty's provisions could have serious implications for Iran's standing in the global community.
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