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India joined more than 130 countries in co-sponsoring a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that condemned what it described as ‘egregious’ attacks by Iran on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan. The resolution called for an immediate halt to all hostilities by Tehran and warned against any threats to close the Strait of Hormuz.
The 15-member Security Council adopted the Bahrain-led resolution on Wednesday. Thirteen members voted in favour of the measure, while none opposed it. However, permanent members China and Russia abstained from the vote.
The Bahrain-led resolution was co-sponsored by India along with more than 130 countries, including Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Yemen and Zambia.
The Council condemned in the ‘strongest terms’ Iran’s attacks on the territories of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. It stated that such actions violate international law and pose a serious threat to international peace and security.
The Council demanded that Iran immediately cease all attacks against GCC countries and Jordan. It also called on Tehran to “immediately and unconditionally” refrain from any provocation or threats against neighbouring states, including those carried out through the use of proxy groups.
The resolution, which had a total of 135 co-sponsors, reiterated strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
It also expressed solidarity with these countries and their people, particularly in light of attacks that targeted residential areas and civilian infrastructure.
The resolution also condemned any actions or threats by Iran aimed at closing or obstructing international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in the Bab Al Mandab.
Reacting to the move, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, criticised the Council’s action, calling it “unjust and unlawful.” He said the resolution was inconsistent with the UN Charter and international law.
Iravani alleged that since the conflict began on February 28, continued military strikes by the United States and Israel have killed more than 1,348 civilians, including women and children. According to him, more than 17,000 people have been injured and nearly 19,734 civilian sites have been damaged or destroyed.
These include over 16,000 residential homes, more than 1,600 commercial and service centres, 77 medical facilities, 65 schools and educational institutions, 16 Red Crescent buildings and several energy infrastructure sites.
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