Iran issues warning on isles

Iran told its Gulf Arab neighbors Saturday it was ready to defend militarily three disputed islands in the Persian Gulf - Abu Musa, Greater Tumb, and Lesser Tumb.

A meeting of the heads of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) voiced full support Wednesday for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in its dispute with Iran over the islands.

The move has triggered strong Iranian criticism and warnings.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council criticized the GCC and described its support of the UAE as "irresponsible."