In a diplomatic move reflecting Arab unity in the face of current security challenges, Saudi Arabia , on behalf of the Arab Group, expressed its strong condemnation of Iranian attacks against several Arab states. This came during the Kingdom's address to the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighting growing regional concerns about continued foreign interference.
Details of the unified Arab position in Geneva
The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Majid bin Khuthaila, delivered the Arab Group's statement during the general debate under Item 2. The statement named the countries directly affected: the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Sultanate of Oman. The Ambassador emphasized that these attacks are not merely isolated incidents, but rather constitute a grave violation of international law and a blatant infringement upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
Violation of international conventions and principles of good neighborliness
From a legal and political standpoint, the Saudi statement clarified that these Iranian practices constitute a blatant violation of the UN Charter, which explicitly stipulates in Article 2 the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of states and refraining from the use of force or the threat thereof against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. This Arab position underscores that the continuation of these hostile policies disregards the principles of good neighborliness, which Arab states have long advocated as a cornerstone of relations in the Gulf region and the Middle East.
The timing of the escalation and its impact on peace efforts
In its statement, the Kingdom highlighted a crucial point regarding the timing of these attacks, which come at a sensitive juncture as Arab states are exerting intensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and prioritize dialogue and political solutions over armed conflict. The Arab Group asserted that this unjustified Iranian escalation undermines efforts to achieve security and stability and obstructs international endeavors aimed at building bridges of trust in a region already grappling with complex geopolitical tensions.
Implications for international peace and security
The danger of these attacks is not limited to the regional dimension; it extends to threatening international peace and security . The region targeted by these attacks represents a vital artery for the global economy and energy supplies, and any destabilization of the Gulf states and Jordan negatively impacts shared international interests. The statement emphasized that protecting the waterways and sovereign airspace of these countries is a collective responsibility in accordance with international norms.
Full solidarity and the right to legitimate self-defense
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concluded the Arab Group's statement by affirming its full and unwavering solidarity with the sister nations that have been subjected to these attacks. It emphasized these nations' inherent and legitimate right to defend themselves and protect their people and resources, a right guaranteed by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and relevant international laws, and called upon the international community and the Human Rights Council to fulfill their responsibilities to halt these violations.
