A firm stance from the Arab League regarding Iranian interference
In a move reflecting the Arab consensus on protecting national security, His Excellency Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, on behalf of His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Foreign Minister, headed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's delegation to the 165th regular session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level, which was held via video conference. This meeting resulted in decisive resolutions and firm stances regarding the security challenges facing the region.
General context and historical background of the event
This session comes at a time of extreme regional complexity, as many Arab states have suffered in recent years from the repercussions of foreign interference in their internal affairs. Historically, the League of Arab States has consistently rejected any infringement upon Arab sovereignty in its final statements and periodic resolutions. Tensions have escalated due to the continued support and formation of armed militias outside the framework of official state institutions in several Arab countries, leading to instability and threatening civil peace. Furthermore, the targeting of civilian infrastructure and residential areas with drones and ballistic missiles represents a dangerous turning point that necessitates a unified Arab and international response based on the UN Charter and international law.
Condemnation of the attacks and affirmation of the right to self-defense
The Council of the League of Arab States issued a clear statement regarding “Iran’s heinous attacks on the security and sovereignty of several Arab states.” The Council reiterated its strong condemnation of these attacks, which directly targeted vital infrastructure and safe residential areas in brotherly Arab countries. In this context, the Council emphasized the inherent right of the targeted Arab states to defend themselves and protect their territories and citizens, based on Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, which guarantees the right of individual and collective self-defense of states.
The Ministerial Council expressed its full support for all efforts and measures taken by the affected countries to protect their security, stressing that these brutal attacks represent a flagrant violation of international law and cannot be justified or excused under any political or security pretext.
The importance of the event and its regional and international impact
This Arab stance carries far-reaching implications and effects on various levels:
- On the regional level: This declaration strengthens joint Arab solidarity in the face of external threats, and sends a clear message that Arab national security is indivisible, and that harming the security of any Arab state is harming the security of the entire region.
- On the international level, the resolution is of paramount importance as it touches upon the very heart of the global economy and trade. The Council urged Iran to swiftly implement UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which demands an immediate cessation of hostilities. It also condemned Iranian actions that threaten international navigation, whether through attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz or by threatening freedom of navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and international waters—strategic waterways through which a significant portion of global energy supplies and trade pass.
Demands for compensation and a halt to arming militias
The Arab League's position was not limited to political condemnation; it extended to include clear legal and human rights demands. The Council welcomed the adoption of the UN Human Rights Council resolution concerning the negative impact of Iran's unjustified attacks on human rights in Arab states. The Council called on Iran to provide full, effective, and immediate compensation to all victims for the material and human losses they suffered.
Furthermore, the Council declared its categorical rejection of the continued funding, arming, and deployment of Iranian-backed militias in several Arab countries, deeming it a blatant interference that hinders development and stability efforts. In a related context, the Council welcomed the Lebanese government's decision to restrict weapons to the state and its legitimate institutions, reflecting Arab support for the sovereignty of states over their territories and their independent decision-making.
This important meeting was attended by prominent diplomatic figures, including the Undersecretary for Multilateral International Affairs, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, and the Director of the Arab League Department, Professor Imad Elias, which confirms the high level of representation and the great interest that member states attach to the decisions of this session.
