First provocation, now aggression TEHRAN, Iran – A bellicose Iran took its uncalled for provocative action over the United Arab Emirate's Abu Musa Island to a dangerously aggressive level Thursday by threatening military action. Iran's ground forces commander Gen. Ahmad Reza Pourdastan threatened that the military was ready for action, state TV reported Thursday. It was the first time an Iranian military commander commented on the issue since President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad traveled to Abu Musa last week. Ahmadinejad's visit to the island, the first by an Iranian head of state, was an unnecessary provocation. On Tuesday, Gulf Arab states denounced the visit as a “flagrant violation” and warned Iran that they stand united on the matter. A statement by the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council told Iran that any perceived aggression against the UAE is considered an affront to the entire bloc. Saudi Arabia also denounced the Iranian president's visit to Abu Musa Island. Ahmadinejad's visit, the Cabinet said, is an infringement on the sovereignty of the UAE and undermines all efforts for a peaceful settlement of the issue through direct negotiations or by resorting to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
