In a resolution supported by 135 UN member states, the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday strongly condemned Iranian aggressions targeting Gulf states and Jordan, demanding that Tehran respects freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab in accordance with international laws.
On Wednesday, the 15-member Council adopted resolution 2817 by a vote of 13 in favor, including the US, France, UK, Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, Somalia, Bahrain, Columbia, the Republic of Congo, Latvia and Liberia, to none against, with 2 abstentions (China and Russia). The resolution was cosponsored by an extraordinary 135 other UN member states.
The resolution, drafted by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, reiterated its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
It condemned in the “strongest terms the egregious attacks” by Iran against the territories of the mentioned countries and determined that such acts constitute a breach of international law and are a serious threat to international peace and security.
The resolution condemned assaults on residential areas and civilian objects, and expressed solidarity with the countries that have come under attack and their people.
It also demanded immediate cessation of all attacks by Iran against the GCC countries and Jordan and that Tehran “immediately and unconditionally” cease from any provocation or threats to neighboring states, including the use of proxies.
The resolution called upon Iran to refrain immediately from any actions or threats and to comply fully with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians and civilian objects in armed conflict.
Additionally, it reaffirmed that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected, particularly around critical maritime routes, and took note of the right of member states, in accordance with international law, to “defend their vessels from attacks and provocations, including those that undermine navigational rights and freedoms.”
The resolution condemned any actions or threats by Iran aimed at closing, obstructing, or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, or threatening maritime security in the Bab al-Mandab.
It warned that any attempt to impede lawful passage or freedom of navigation in these international waterways constitutes a serious threat to international peace.
After the vote, Bahrain’s ambassador to the UN, Jamal Alrowaiei, expressed his “deepest gratitude” on behalf of the GCC.
“The fact that 135 countries co-sponsored this resolution bears witness to a collective conscience of just how dangerous Iran’s attacks are against the GCC and Jordan,” Alrowaiei told the Security Council.
