In matter of global concern, Iran claims ownership of Antarctica and intends to establish a military presence there. Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani had already spoken about the matter last September. The matter has elicited concerns owing to Iran’s aggressive behaviour worldwide, including in the Middle East.
“We have property rights in the South Pole. We have plans to raise our flag there and conduct military and scientific activities,” Rear Admiral Shahram Irani was quoted as saying by Fox News at the time.
When asked whether the recent unfreezing of $6 billion in Iranian funds by the US could be used for setting up a base in Antarctica, a US State Department spokesperson categorically refuted it.
“No. Iran’s funds held in Qatar may not be used for any activities in Antarctica,” the spokesperson clarified, specifying that the funds are earmarked exclusively for purchasing humanitarian goods such as food, medicine, medical devices, and agricultural products.
Despite the concerns, the Joe Biden administration released $6 billion in sanctions relief to Qatar before the Iran-backed Hamas attack in Israel last October, which claimed 1,200 lives.
Target Tehran Author and senior Jerusalem Post military and intelligence analyst Yonah Jeremy Bob warned that Iran’s ambitions to expand its military presence into Antarctica would not only contravene multilateral conventions but also demonstrate its global aggression.
“While Tehran’s expansion into Antarctica may seem distant, it underscores the urgency for the US and its allies to address the nuclear threat posed by Iran,” asserted Bob.
Retired US Naval Intelligence Commander Jennifer Dyer explained although Iran isn’t a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, its actions in the region would not be recognised by other nations due to the treaty’s provisions.
“The Antarctic Treaty, effective since 1961, stipulates that no action by any nation after 1961 can serve as the basis for territorial claims on the continent,” Dyer clarified.
Dyer further noted that while Iran might attempt provocative actions in Antarctica, they would not hold legal weight under current international agreements.
It’s crucial to highlight that several nations, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Bharat, China, and Russia, are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty, alongside Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand, countries with close proximity to the continent.