S/PV.10119 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Canada, the Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, the Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Djibouti, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, the Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, the Marshall Islands, Mauritania, the Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Sudan, Spain, the Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, the Syrian Arab Republic, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yemen and Zambia to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them documents S/2026/155 and S/2026/159, each of which contains the text of a separate draft resolution. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the first draft resolution before it, contained in document S/2026/155. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements before the voting.

At the outset, the Kingdom of Bahrain, on behalf of the States of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, namely the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and my country, the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, would like to express its appreciation to the presidency for convening this important meeting. We also wish to thank the other members of the Security Council for their interest in the draft resolution that we are considering today (S/2026/155). We thank all 135 Member States that co-sponsored the draft resolution. This broad support from the international community reflects a collective awareness of the seriousness of the brutal Iranian aggression to which the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have been subjected over the past 12 days. Over the past few days, our region has witnessed a series of serious attacks on civilian installations, critical infrastructure and residential areas in several countries in the region, including my own country, the Kingdom of Bahrain. These attacks have resulted in casualties and injuries among innocent civilians and extensive damage to vital facilities. These hostilities represent a serious escalation that threatens security and stability in the region and undermines the principles of international law. The draft resolution before the Council today stems from the shared responsibility to maintain international peace and security, is based on the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in response to Iran’s brutal aggression and aims to emphasize the need for an immediate cessation of military actions, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and respect for the obligations of all parties under international law, including international humanitarian law. The Gulf region represents an essential pillar in the stability of the global economy, energy security and international trade, as has been affirmed by the Security Council in several previous resolutions, including resolution 552 (1984), which stressed the vital importance of the region and the need to respect the security of navigation and its vital facilities. In this sense, the protection of the security of this region is not only a regional issue but also a shared international responsibility that is closely linked to the stability of the global economy and the integrity of international supply chains. The draft resolution before us today reflects a principled position aimed at strengthening the protection of the sovereignty of States, respecting international law, preventing escalation, protecting civilians and maintaining the security and stability of the region. We look forward to the support of the members of the Council for this draft, and we hope that the Council will send a clear message that the international community adheres to the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the need to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.

I shall first put to the vote the draft resolution contained in document S/2026/155, submitted by the following countries: Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Canada, the Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, the Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, the Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, the Marshall Islands, Mauritania, the Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Sudan, Spain, the Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, the Syrian Arab Republic, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, the United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yemen and Zambia.

The draft resolution received 13 votes in favour, none against and 2 abstentions. The draft resolution has been adopted as resolution 2817 (2026). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting.

By adopting resolution 2817 (2026) today, the Security Council has affirmed a clear position rejecting attacks against our States and its commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security. At the outset, the Kingdom of Bahrain, on behalf of the States of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), namely the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and my country, the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, would like to extend its sincere thanks and appreciation to this month’s presidency of the Security Council, the delegation of the United States of America, for promptly responding to convening this important meeting. We thank the Council members who voted in favour of the resolution. We express our deep gratitude to all 135 Member States of the United Nations that co-sponsored the resolution. This overwhelming support from the international community reflects a collective awareness of the danger of the unjust Iranian aggression to which our countries — the Kingdom of Bahrain, the States of the GCC and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan — have been subjected over the past 12 days. The adoption of this resolution today sends a clear and united message from the Security Council: the missile attacks and drone attacks already carried out and still being carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran, targeting several States in the region, including my country, the Kingdom of Bahrain, are unacceptable and constitute a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, the fundamental norms of international law and the principles of good-neighbourliness. Over the past few days, our region has witnessed a series of heinous attacks on civilian facilities, infrastructure and residential areas in several countries in the region, resulting in casualties and injuries among innocent civilians. The Council’s adoption of this resolution today confirms that the international community stands united in the face of such hostilities, that the security and stability of the region are an integral part of the peace and security architecture and that the region is a vital artery for the world economy and an essential corridor for international trade, supply chains and energy. In the resolution adopted today and in previous resolutions, the Council affirmed the importance of the Arab Gulf region for global economic stability and the need to maintain the security of navigation and vital facilities in the region. Ensuring the security of the region is therefore not only a regional issue but a shared international responsibility that is closely linked to the stability of the global economy, energy security and international trade. The Kingdom of Bahrain, the States of the GCC and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan reaffirm their full and inherent right to defend themselves and to take all necessary measures to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and within the framework of international law. We express appreciation for the position of the Security Council, and we would like on this occasion to pay tribute and appreciation to the members of the Bahrain defence force, the employees of the Ministry of Interior and all military and security agencies in the Kingdom, who have demonstrated the highest degree of competence and preparedness in confronting these attacks and defending the Kingdom’s territory and the safety of its citizens and residents. We also extend our appreciation to all the military and security forces in the countries of the GCC and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as well as to the allied forces working with unparalleled efficiency and preparedness in a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility to protect the security and stability of the Arabian Gulf and safeguard the safety of its peoples. The adoption of this resolution today reflects a clear position of the international community in standing firmly in the face of threats to regional and international security and reflects the commitment of the Security Council to discharging its responsibilities for the maintenance of international peace and stability. The message is clear: the international community is resolute in rejecting Iran’s unjust and hostile attacks targeting sovereign States and threatening the security and stability of their peoples, especially in a region of strategic importance for the global economy, energy security and international trade, as affirmed by resolution 552 (1984), which stressed the vital importance of the Gulf region for global economic stability and international freedom of navigation. In conclusion, the Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and its determination to continue working with its regional and international partners to promote security and stability in the region and maintain the peace and prosperity for which our countries are known, despite the efforts of those who do not share our vision to divert us from this path.

France voted in favour of the resolution submitted by Bahrain on behalf of the States of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan (resolution 2817 (2026)). We supported and co-sponsored this resolution with nearly 135 countries, in other words, an overwhelming majority of Members of our Organization. That is a powerful message to Iran. We adopted the resolution because it contains a necessary condemnation by the Security Council of the indiscriminate strikes carried out by Iran against its regional neighbours for the past 10 days. Once again, the Middle East has been plunged into war. This war poses grave risks to regional security, and it must stop now. Only respect for international law and diplomacy can ensure lasting security and stability of the region. In this escalation and the spread of the war, Iran bears an overwhelming responsibility. I will not dwell here on the responsibilities linked to the long-term threats that Iran poses to the region and to the world, whether regarding the proliferation risks associated with its nuclear programme, the development of its ballistic missile programme or the support it provides to militias in the region, which it backs, finances and trains. The Council remains seized of these threats and must implement the sanctions regimes it has adopted to respond to a number of them. We will address in particular the threats related to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programmes during the meeting on the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), which is to be held soon. By choosing, on 28 February, to attack its neighbours — Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar — which posed no threat to it, Iran bears serious responsibility for the current escalation. Several of those States had even actively contributed in the previous weeks to the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the United States on the nuclear issue and are today being struck by Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. By blocking the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is also committing a serious violation of freedom of maritime navigation and is holding the global economy hostage. The Iranian regime seeks to expand and prolong the conflict because it sees this strategy of chaos as its best chance of survival. It was incumbent upon the Council to hear the voice of the States of the region and to condemn Iran’s indiscriminate strikes, which contribute to the escalation and compromise the stability of the region and the security of global maritime traffic. We welcome the fact that the Council was able today to adopt by consensus resolution 2817 (2026) and thus send a strong message to Iran to put an end to its destabilizing activities against its neighbours. Iran must heed this powerful message from the international community and from the Security Council. It must stop fuelling the escalation of the conflict, comply with its international obligations and finally engage in serious negotiations to deal with the concerns related to its nuclear programme, its ballistic missile activities and its regional role. Only a diplomatic solution will provide a viable response to these crucial issues for the future of the region and for international security. France, alongside its European partners, remains ready and willing to work to achieve a robust, verifiable and lasting agreement on these issues.

In adopting this resolution (resolution 2817 (2026)), the Council sends a clear message of condemnation of Iran’s reckless attacks against the Gulf States and Jordan. It is right that the Council wholeheartedly condemns Iran’s attacks, which pose a serious threat to our partners in the Gulf and to Jordan and risk further regional and global conflagration. It is also right that the Council reiterates its support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of the Gulf States and Jordan. We welcome Bahrain’s leadership on this important resolution, even as it continues to face attacks against civilian infrastructure, resulting in injuries and the loss of life. The United Kingdom is steadfast in its support for the security of the Gulf States and Jordan. We have been participating in coordinated regional defensive operations. We will continue to support them and have strengthened our capabilities in the region to increase our defensive support to our partners in the Gulf and beyond. But we want to see an end to these attacks. That is why we co-sponsored and voted for this resolution. This resolution imposes important obligations on Iran to immediately cease all attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan and to cease provocation or threats against neighbouring States, including through its proxies. Iran must comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. The exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must also be respected. Iran’s unacceptable attacks against ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz threaten maritime security and the safety of seafarers. The United Kingdom’s position on Iran is clear: Iran must cease these attacks and must not threaten the region or the wider international security. Our collective priority must be to secure long-term stability in the region and the protection of civilian life. That is what the United Kingdom Government has been focusing on. We will continue to do so with our partners, including in the Council.

Greece voted in favour of the resolution introduced by Bahrain on behalf of the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan (resolution 2817 (2026)), adding its voice of support to the countries in the Gulf that have been targeted by Iran in a unprecedented way. Civilians have been hit. Children have been killed. Energy infrastructure has been destroyed, and critical maritime routes affected. But most importantly, mutual distrust is now a permanent state of mind in the region’s politics and everyday life. This is unacceptable. We have strongly condemned from the very beginning the Iranian strikes in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere. We are therefore pleased to be one of the first Member States to cosponsor this resolution alongside a large part of the international community. This is a moment in which the voice of the international community is being heard loud and clear in the Security Council. At the same time, the risks for regional and international peace and security remain exceptionally high, and we are deeply concerned by the continuing military escalation in the region. All parties must exercise maximum restraint, prevent a further spiral of violence and work urgently to reopen credible channels of dialogue in order to achieve a durable negotiated solution. Absent a diplomatic solution, we will face a protracted conflict and crisis with growing regional and international consequences for all. As an elected member of the Council, we reiterate therefore our call for de- escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. Our aim should be to find ways to return to substantial negotiations towards a peaceful settlement in line with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Finally, as this resolution makes clear and as a leading maritime and shipping nation, we are flagging the alarming consequences of this conflict on global trade and energy supply. The Strait of Hormuz must open again, and freedom of navigation must be restored without delay. As we have said time and again, failure is not an option.

The consequences of the conflict that we are witnessing right now are clear, and everyone is impacted. This is a conflict that should never have happened. The conflict and its disastrous fallout are no longer isolated; the regional and global dimensions are obvious. When international law is violated, peace is imperilled, not advanced. We call for an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities and a return to the dialogue table. Only a peaceful settlement will serve everyone’s interest. It is unfortunate that despite the grave threat faced by the region, the Council could not unify behind a comprehensive response to end the conflict. That is the sad reality. Yet it was important to act, for there were genuine concerns that needed to be addressed. Under the circumstances, we had two proposed draft resolutions before us. I thank the representative of Bahrain for submitting resolution 2817 (2026) and the representative of the Russian Federation for submitting draft resolution S/2026/159. Pakistan supports both texts. Our positive vote resolution 2817 (2026), introduced by Bahrain, signifies the affirmation of Pakistan’s strong solidarity with the brotherly countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. It also serves to underscore our condemnation of all the unwarranted attacks faced by them, especially those targeting civilians, civilian objects and critical civilian infrastructure. I reiterate Pakistan’s complete support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of all these countries. As demanded by the resolution just adopted, we hope that the attacks on their territory will cease immediately and that the navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz will not be undermined. It is most unfortunate that the fraternal States of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan came under attack despite all along supporting dialogue, facilitating diplomatic engagement and advocating avoidance of escalation during the period of heightened tensions and military activity in the run up to the start of the conflict. These countries should not have had to face the worst consequences of war. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with their Governments and their people. Pakistan also views favourably the draft resolution submitted by the Russian Federation, which is also contextualized in the framework of the Charter of the United Nations and has, as its primary focus, urging the parties to stop military activities, refrain from further escalation and return to negotiations — something that is consistent with Pakistan’s overall position. The deplorable turn of events unfolding in the region —from the initiation of unwarranted attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran on 28 February, which Pakistan also condemned — have seriously jeopardized international peace and security, given rise to grave consequences and unnecessarily embroiled the entire region. As a brotherly neighbouring country, Pakistan supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran. We are deeply concerned about the instability in Iran. These disturbing developments also carry profound socioeconomic and humanitarian repercussions. As a neighbouring country, Pakistan has not remained immune from these impacts. At least two Pakistani nationals lost their lives in attacks on the United Arab Emirates. Millions of other Pakistanis that reside in the Gulf countries remain in harm’s way. Our fuel supplies have been seriously hampered, compelling the Government to take extraordinary measures for conserving the use of oil, gas and electricity. Several essential aviation links have been severed, while others face disruptions. Pakistan seeks an immediate end to this conflict, which has caused immense humanitarian suffering in all countries affected by the missile and drone strikes on schools, residential areas, oil and port facilities, water desalination plants and civic infrastructure. We offer our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of life of civilians caught in the middle of the conflict and extend our sympathies to the affected families and communities. It was particularly heart wrenching to see innocent school children perish at an elementary school in Minab. Any use of force outside the bounds of the United Nations Charter is unlawful and condemnable. It is also incumbent upon all parties to strictly comply with international humanitarian law in the conduct of hostilities. We call for a swift return to dialogue and diplomacy to pursue a peaceful resolution of all contentious issues in accordance with the rights, obligations and responsibilities of the parties concerned. Sincere commitment and genuine political will are required to restore trust and build the foundations of peaceful coexistence through mutual accommodation and respect. One country of the region must not be allowed to dictate the terms, in its neighbourhood, of what it considers acceptable and what constitutes a threat, seeking absolute security for itself while occupying Palestinian and Arab territories, and destabilizing, coercing and threatening the rest, ultimately dragging everyone into conflict and confrontation. We welcome and deeply appreciate the sincere efforts being made by various countries to mediate between the warring parties. The leadership of Pakistan has also remained in close contact with our neighbours, friends and partners throughout the region and beyond and continues to play a constructive role in that regard. I conclude by reiterating Pakistan’s call for all sides to immediately de-escalate, exercise maximum restraint, desist from undertaking further attacks, and urgently resume diplomacy for a negotiated, lasting resolution to the crisis.

Despite the repeated calls of the international community to establish an immediate cessation of hostilities on the part of all stakeholders, the conflict is ongoing and dangerous. Its continuation not only exacerbates the humanitarian situation but also foments uncertainty and instability in the region and the world. In this context, the rhetoric employed by Iran to justify actions that, under the pretext of reprisals, have resulted in attacks against neighbouring countries in the region and the closure of one of the most important maritime routes in the world, affecting the global economy. These nations have clearly and repeatedly expressed their desire to remain on the sidelines of a confrontation they did not initiate. Any aggression against them, therefore, constitutes a dangerous and unjustified broadening of the conflict and an additional threat to international peace and security. Against that backdrop, our support for the draft resolution presented by the representative of Bahrain on behalf of the member States of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and Jordan, co-sponsored by 135 countries, responded to the legitimate concerns of the countries directly affected by the escalation and the concerns of the international community in general. The initiative reaffirms both the need for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan to preserve their security and sovereignty and their decision not to become directly or indirectly involved in a war that they did not provoke and have no desire to inflame.

China is deeply concerned about the rapidly escalating situation in the Gulf region, which risks pushing the entire Middle East into a dangerous abyss. The United States and Israel, without authorization from the Security Council and in the middle of negotiations between Iran and the United States, launched military strikes against Iran. This clearly violates the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the basic norms governing international relations. This conflict has neither legitimacy nor legal basis. Its continuation will bring nothing but harm. The fundamental way to prevent a further deterioration of the situation is for the United States and Israel to cease their military operations. At the same time, the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Arab Gulf States must also be fully respected. In this regard, China does not condone Iran’s attacks against the Arab Gulf States and condemns all indiscriminate attacks against innocent civilians and non- military targets. China supports the legitimate demands of the Arab Gulf States for their national security to be upheld, appreciates and supports their restraint and supports the continued efforts of regional countries to resolve disputes through diplomatic means. China attaches great importance to resolution 2817 (2026), presented by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan. We fully understand the significant concerns of the Arab Gulf States and strongly urge all parties to the conflict to genuinely respect the sovereignty and security of non- belligerent States. China participated constructively in the consultations. Regrettably, however, the resolution does not fully reflect the root causes and the overall picture of the conflict in a balanced manner. The reasonable suggestions by China were not adequately taken into account. Therefore, China had no choice but to abstain in the voting. The continuation and escalation of the conflict serve the interests of no party. The only victims will be the people of the region. China once again calls for an immediate cessation of military operations to prevent further cycles of escalation and avoid a spillover and an expansion of the conflict. The parties concerned should return to the right track of dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible and resolve their differences through equal dialogue. China has always been a force for peace. Minister for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had intensive telephone conversations with his counterparts in multiple countries in the region and beyond. The Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue is currently engaged in shuttle diplomacy in the region, actively working to promote peace and a cessation of hostilities. China stands ready to continue working with the countries in the region and the wider international community to build synergy for peace and to promote a swift restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3): the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and my own country, Liberia. We voted in favour of this resolution (resolution 2817 (2026)). Our decision reflects our principled commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, de-escalation and respect for international law as the only viable path to peace and stability in the Middle East. The A3 remains gravely concerned about the continued missile and drone attacks directed against the sovereign territories of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, just to name a few. These actions risk widening an already dangerous regional crisis, threatening lives and undermining broader international peace and security. We further reiterate that all Member States must respect their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations, which unequivocally prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State. The A3 underscores that the Council must not endorse interpretations of Article 51 that expand the right of self-defence beyond these core principles or that risk eroding long-standing constraints on the use of force. We call for restraint, urgent de-escalation, sustained dialogue and the avoidance of action that could escalate tensions or further threaten regional peace and stability. We are also concerned about actions that impede freedom of navigation or threaten maritime security in international waterways all around the world. Such conduct carries severe global humanitarian, economic and energy security consequences and must cease. The A3 further stresses the urgent need to return to negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme. A credible diplomatic process remains essential to preventing further escalation and to achieving sustainable peace and security in the region. It is important to seize this moment to redouble our efforts, de-escalate and support a diplomatic process that can deliver peace, stability and security for all States in the Middle East. To conclude, the A3 stands ready to support all efforts within the Council and in cooperation with regional and international partners to facilitate dialogue, reduce tensions and promote a peaceful, inclusive and lasting resolution of the situation in the Middle East. We reaffirm our solidarity with the peoples of the region and our unwavering commitment to the Charter and international peace and security.

Latvia voted in favour of, and co-sponsored, resolution 2817 (2026), submitted by Bahrain on behalf of the States of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan. We express our full solidarity with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and other affected countries that are victims of the unprovoked attacks by the Iranian regime. We appreciate the Council listening to their concerns, just as it should listen to other States facing unprovoked aggression. Latvia welcomes the clear focus of the resolution on respect for the Charter of the United Nations and international law and the timely description of violations of these fundamental principles by the Iranian regime. We recall that these aggressive and destabilizing acts follow a long series of attempts by the Iranian regime and its proxies to challenge international law and both regional and global peace and security. We underline the constructive and reasoned manner in which this resolution was drafted, and we commend the good work of Bahrain amid this trying time of unjust aggression. It is a very clear and strong message from the Council, supported by 135 States Members of the United Nations, and we welcome its adoption.

Colombia notes with deep concern the situation in the Middle East and the rising spiral of violence arising from the unilateral and unjustified attacks carried out across the region, including the most recent illegal and irresponsible attack carried out against the Islamic Republic of Iran by the United States and Israel. This is but one more stage of the genocide unleashed by the Netanyahu regime more than two years ago against the Palestinian people and an expression of an expansionist project, of the repeated and systematic violation of international law and of the lack of consequences and accountability for those responsible. Colombia also notes with grave concern the attacks and attempts to invade the sovereign territory of Lebanon and that of other States in the region. My delegation decided to vote in favour of this resolution (resolution 2817 (2026)) as a demonstration of solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman. It cast this vote in keeping with its historical, principled multilateral position and its strict compliance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. We reaffirm our support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all countries of the region. Colombia is of the view that what the region urgently needs is for hostilities to cease immediately, for the spiral of violence to come to a halt and for space to be created for a process of broad dialogue among regional stakeholders that makes it possible to tackle the root causes of this crisis and to move towards a sustainable and lasting political solution for the Middle East.

Let me thank the Kingdom of Bahrain for its efforts as penholder on resolution 2817 (2026). The large number of co-sponsors from within the Council and across the entire membership demonstrates the collective desire to end Iran’s strikes against countries in the region and bring peace to the Middle East, and it sends a powerful message. Denmark is deeply concerned about the continued escalation of the situation in the Middle East. In a short time, we have seen a large number of countries in the Gulf, the Middle East and Europe drawn into this conflict, which they have no stakes in. With every passing day, we are witnessing a further destabilization of the already volatile and tense situation. We call for maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and respect for international law, including international humanitarian law. We call for diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. Denmark strongly condemns Iran’s continued attacks on countries in the region. We express our full solidarity with all the countries concerned. At this crucial moment, it is imperative to listen to the voices of the region. Iran must immediately cease its attacks, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States and ensure maritime security and respect for the freedom of navigation. This is why Denmark co-sponsored and voted in favour of this resolution, which we are pleased that the Council has adopted. Denmark remains committed to safeguarding peace, security and stability in the Middle East.

The Russian Federation abstained in the voting on the resolution submitted by Bahrain (resolution 2817 (2026)) because it is extremely unbalanced and does not serve the purpose of maintaining international peace and security. We would like to make it clear from the outset that we do understand and regret the situation in which Middle Eastern countries find themselves today. Moreover, Russia thinks that it is unacceptable to strike the territory and, in particular, the civilian infrastructure of the Arab States of the Persian Gulf. From the very beginning, the leadership of my country and President Putin personally have been involved in efforts to de-escalate and to stop the bloodshed in Iran and around it. However, it is impossible and unfair to talk about attacks against countries in the region in isolation from the root causes of the current escalation, namely, the aggression by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is deeply regrettable that the resolution that was just adopted is precisely such a biased and one-sided document. It confuses cause and effect. If someone who is not well- versed in international affairs read it, they would be left with the impression that Tehran, of its own volition and with malicious intent, carried out an unprovoked attack on Arab States. The attacks against the territory of Iran itself, not to mention those who are behind them and carrying them out, are not only not condemned in the document — they are simply left out. And the Security Council has just signed off on that. There is also no mention of the fact that the authorities in Tehran have repeatedly underscored that their retaliatory actions are not against countries in the region specifically, but rather against American military facilities and infrastructure located on their territory, which are legitimate targets in terms of Iran’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. We must also point out that Washington, through its aggressive actions, has essentially set up the Gulf States. The Americans have ignored their repeated requests not to use the territory of the Arab States to conduct military operations against Iran. According to information from open sources, the United States is actively using its permanent military bases for this purpose, primarily in the Persian Gulf monarchies, not for defensive or reconnaissance-related purposes, but for offensive purposes. On 28 February, the official site of the United States Central Command, citing its head, Brad Cooper, reported that high-precision weapons had been launched against Iran, not only from sea and air, but also from land. It is clear that this can only mean the territory of those States that are neighbouring Iran. It is no secret to anyone that the American base in Bahrain is the headquarters and the nerve centre of the United States Fifth Fleet, which is the main strike force against Iran. The Prince Sultan United States Air Force Base in Saudi Arabia is the main maintenance point for United States aviation in the region. The largest military base, Al Udeid, located in Qatar, could be used not only as a key element of the global air defence system of the United States and NATO, but also to deploy strike fighters, bombers and refuelling aircraft and for air defence suppression and target acquisition. The Al-Dhafra base in the United Arab Emirates is also suitable for these purposes and for intelligence-gathering. United States bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq also play a significant role in military operations against Iran. Iran uses all this to justify its strikes against American military facilities in Arab countries. The unconditional imperative of protecting civilians and infrastructure in the current conflict is also presented in a very one-sided manner in the resolution just adopted. Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable under any circumstances and in any country — whether in Iran, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates or Israel. However, the resolution suggests that no one has attacked the civilian population of Iran. It is as though the horrific attack on a girls’ school in Minab, which killed nearly 200 children, did not happen. It is as if there had been no cynical assassination of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and no strikes against peaceful nuclear and oil infrastructure, strikes that could have potentially catastrophic consequences — and not only economic ones — both for the inhabitants of Iran and neighbouring countries and for States beyond the Middle East. The authors of the draft simply propose that we turn a blind eye to these illegal actions and unprovoked aggression against Iran by the United States and Israel. Since the very beginning of its work on the text, the Russian Federation, together with its Chinese colleagues, consistently conveyed these concerns to the Arab States. We voiced them during informal consultations and provided the authors and all other members of the Council with our written comments and suggestions. Specifically, we proposed the following to the authors. First of all, we proposed that the text call upon all the parties to the current conflict to cease their attacks. Secondly, we proposed that the strikes be condemned, not only those on the Gulf countries, but also those on Iranian territory; that regret be expressed over the attacks on civilian targets, which resulted in the deaths of civilians and of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran; and that solidarity be expressed with the people of Iran at this difficult time. Thirdly, we proposed the demand that all States refrain from provocations and from any actions that could lead to further escalation. Additionally, we spoke in favour of confirming the need to settle any disputes by peaceful means and by inserting a balanced reflection of the fact that, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, both the Arab States and Iran have the right to self-defence. At the same time, despite our country’s principled position, in particular its categorical condemnation of the aggression by the United States and Israel, we tried to keep our amendments as restrained as possible, without calling the initiators of the current crisis by name. When working on the document, we were guided by one consideration alone: objectivity. However, the authors of the draft resolution simply ignored the position of Russia and China. We are most disappointed by the refusal to include in the draft text a call for a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict. Moreover, this was done categorically and without any explanation, as if we were talking to an empty room. We consider such an approach to working on Security Council products to be unconstructive, irresponsible, unacceptable and unbecoming of responsible members of the Council. The adoption of such a resolution will not lead to peace in the Middle East. It will only exacerbate differences between key players in the region. We fear that, in their rush to condemn Iran, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries may undo all the recent achievements in restoring good-neighbourly relations with Tehran and delay for many years to come the prospect of creating a common security space for all countries in the region. Furthermore, a positive decision by the Council on this document could be interpreted by bad-faith actors, and above all by those who started this war, as a “blessing” to continue aggressive actions against Iran. We call on all Members of the United Nations to be aware of this.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States of America. As we awoke this morning, civilians, families and children were trapped, sheltering in bunkers all over the Middle East. They were wondering if the only thing they could count on today were more missiles and more drones from the Iranian regime. They could not be certain whether they would have the support of the international community. They could not be certain if they would have the support of the Security Council, which, frankly, in years past has failed to speak out about Iran’s consistent and grotesque violations of international law. To the people under the barrage and the constant bombardment of the Iranian regime, I say that the Security Council stands with them. One hundred and thirty-five countries stand with them. We uniformly condemn Iran’s indiscriminate attacks on civilians. Today the Council has heard and will continue to hear lies, as it always has, from the representative of Iran and its friends on the Council. This time, they will claim that all their strikes have been against United States military bases or various types of military installations. But here is the hard truth. Here is what they do not want the Council to hear — and this is common sense. The Fairmont Hotel in Dubai is not a military base or installation. That is why dozens and dozens of tourists fled as it was set on fire, tourists from the United Kingdom, from Liverpool, from other countries, all trying to vacation or do business there. The civilian airport in Dubai, a global hub of commerce and tourism, has also come under fire. That is not a military installation. Bahrain’s only oil refinery, which is 90 years old, is not a military target. Qatar’s natural gas facilities, which power the economies of the world, were not military targets. Even Oman, which, until recently, was trying to find a diplomatic solution, has been hit. Its ports are not military targets. The cargo ships that are being attacked and set aflame, many of them carrying food and other supplies around the world, one of them from Thailand, are not military targets. These attacks were so brutal and so indiscriminate, as Iran shoots in all directions, that nations that previously had serious disagreements have now joined together. They have now spoken with one voice. Iran’s strategy of sowing chaos, of trying to hold its neighbours hostage and to shake the resolve of the region, has clearly backfired, and that was shown by this vote today. The Kingdom of Bahrain, itself a victim of these attacks, drafted and led the negotiations on this resolution (resolution 2817 (2026)). Our allies and partners from across the region — Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates — supported it, along with 135 co-sponsors, a record number for the Security Council. We read out the name of each one of them today so that the entire world could hear them. This is exactly what the United Nations should be about. Today’s action is a direct and unequivocal statement from the Gulf countries condemning the brutality of the Iranian regime, whose practice of targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is reprehensible, and the entire world is calling it out for what it is. Iran is indiscriminately attacking innocent families and civilians living in countries spanning Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Iraq and Türkiye. All have felt the consequences of Iran’s missiles, drones and attacks. The Council and the international community must speak plainly and be honest with the world about Iran’s long history of undermining international peace and security. For decades — and we all know this — Iran has supported terrorist violence against civilians around the world and, as we all just saw in recent months, massacred its own people. In order to maintain its iron grip on power, the Iranian regime exported instability abroad, turning neighbours such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Gaza into battle grounds and leaving them no hope of peace or prosperity. Earlier today, in the Council, I challenged any one member, anyone in the world, to show me a country that is better off because of Iran’s intervention and instability. This is why the United Nations has voted in resolution after resolution that the Iranian regime must never and can never have a nuclear weapon. By constantly refusing to comply with international safeguards that all our countries support, Iran’s nuclear programme was barrelling towards a nuclear disaster. The International Atomic Energy Agency made clear that there was no reason to have nearly 1,000 pounds of 60 per cent highly enriched uranium unless one wanted to build a nuclear bomb. No one in the Chamber can be surprised by Iran’s promise of death to Israel, death to America and, with nuclear weapons, death to the world. At an emergency meeting in January, not long ago, we raised the Islamic Republic of Iran’s decades- old campaign of repression, subjecting its young and old alike to violence, torture and censorship. The Iranian regime’s abuses are a stain for all who tolerate it, drawn from the blood of their victims. President Trump and his team exhausted every attempt at diplomatic negotiations. He sought peace and to end 47 years of hostility and attacks, while Iran only sought more missiles, more drones and a pathway to nuclear Armageddon. President Trump has drawn his red line here. Iran crossed it once again, and now the world is facing the consequences. These are consequences that the United States does not bring alone. We are grateful to our partners in Bahrain who have bravely pushed this resolution forward, we are grateful to the 135 countries that co- sponsored it, and we will never hesitate to hold the Iranian regime to account for its continuing threats to international peace and security. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. The representative of Bahrain has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

I apologize for asking for the floor again. I would like to express regret at what was contained in the statement by the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation regarding the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) countries. I would like to clarify that it was the GCC countries that undertook many mediation and diplomatic efforts. Their territories have never been the origin of any aggressions or used against any other countries. As I speak, sirens are sounding in our region and our countries. The Iranian allegations are therefore belied by reality, as the strikes are still ongoing, directed at vital civilian sites and civilians.

The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the second draft resolution before it. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements before the voting.

We have already pointed out today the non-constructive nature of the resolution that has just been adopted (resolution 2817 (2026)), which condemned Iran’s strikes targeting the territories of the countries in the region. The resolution is one-sided, and the additional explanations provided by the representative of Bahrain did not convince us otherwise. The Russian Federation is now calling on the members of the Security Council to adopt an impartial draft resolution (S/2026/159) aimed at urgently de-escalating the situation. This will enable the Council to discharge its direct responsibilities for maintaining international peace and security. The draft submitted by our country leaves aside the differences among Council members regarding the causes of the current unprecedented tensions in the Middle East. It is simple, straightforward and unambiguous, and it has four operative paragraphs. The first urges all parties to immediately stop their military activities and refrain from any steps that could lead to further escalation in the Middle East and beyond. The second firmly condemns all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, underscoring the obligations of all parties under international law, including international humanitarian law. The third underlines the importance of ensuring security of all States in the region without exception. The fourth strongly encourages all parties concerned to return to the negotiating table without further delay. We are convinced that all these elements fully reflect the views of the Security Council members regarding current events, including those expressed during the Council meeting on 28 February (see S/PV.10112). At the same time, when preparing the draft, we intentionally did not name any of the parties. We understand full well that if we had done otherwise, it would have been impossible to reach consensus and, as a result, it would have impeded the Council in promptly sending a fundamentally important message about the need for immediate de-escalation and restraint on the part of all conflicting parties. When working on the draft, the Russian Federation circulated a document to gather written comments from Council members and conducted in-person informal consultations. We note that not a single delegation expressed any objections or concerns regarding the language. In this context, we count on all our colleagues to demonstrate responsibility and support the Russian draft, which could become a timely and much-needed step towards a political and diplomatic settlement of the situation in the Middle East.

I shall now put to the vote the draft resolution contained in document S/2026/159, submitted by the Russian Federation.

The draft resolution received 4 votes in favour, 2 against and 9 abstentions. The draft resolution has not been adopted, having failed to obtain the required number of votes. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting.

The United Kingdom’s priority is restoring regional stability in the Middle East as soon as possible and preventing this crisis from escalating further. Iran’s ongoing reckless attacks against countries across the region threaten to expand the conflict. That is why the United Kingdom voted in favour of the resolution submitted by Bahrain condemning Iran’s attacks against the territories of its neighbours (resolution 2817 (2026)). That text was grounded in the facts and backed by the region, responding directly to the needs of our partners in the Gulf and Jordan. It focused squarely on protecting civilians and restoring regional stability. And we are pleased that the Council was able to send a clear condemnation of Iran’s reckless attacks by adopting that resolution. By contrast, the Russian draft resolution (S/2026/159) does nothing to address the concerns of those in the region who have faced unprovoked and unjustifiable attacks. And it is impossible to overlook the hypocrisy of Russia presenting itself here as a guardian of international peace and security. It continues to reject Ukraine’s proposal for a ceasefire. It attacks Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure night after night with the very same Iranian-designed Shahed drones that are now striking targets across the Middle East and beyond. In return for Iran’s support, Russia has provided Iran with advanced military capabilities, increasing the threat that Iran poses to the region. We should be in no doubt about where Russia stands in this conflict. Therefore, Russia’s draft resolution would have served only to distract the Council from the serious work required to end the conflict. That is why the United Kingdom did not support the draft resolution. Our collective priority must be to secure stability in the region and the protection of civilian life. That is what the United Kingdom Government has been focusing on and will continue to do, alongside its allies, including in the Council.

France did not support the draft resolution submitted by Russia on the situation in the Middle East (S/2026/159). As I previously stated, when explaining our vote on the resolution submitted by Bahrain and adopted with an overwhelming majority (resolution 2817 (2026)), France is gravely concerned about the prolongation of the war in the Middle East. We share the view, expressed by many members of the Council, that military escalation is not in the interest of the region, that respect for international law is a sine qua non for long-term stability and that hostilities must cease without delay. We also call for the safeguarding of human lives and for the respect of international humanitarian law. While it claims to have the most noble intentions, the draft text submitted by Russia (S/2026/159) did not constitute a viable basis for uniting the Council and providing a response to this crisis that the circumstances demand. The result of the voting reflects this. Indeed, the draft resolution said nothing about Iran’s overwhelming responsibility for the current escalation, including its indiscriminate and unjustified attacks against its regional neighbours which posed no threat to Iran. The statement made by the Russian Federation to justify its vote on resolution 2817 (2026) also indicated a level of understanding on the part of that country regarding Iranian strikes. Iran has been posing threats to its regional environment and to international peace and security for years. It does so through the network of militias that it finances, controls and trains in the region, through its ballistic missile programmes and through its nuclear programme, the peaceful nature of which cannot be guaranteed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. And let us recall that this is in the context of its outright and totally unacceptable denial of Israel’s very existence. The stability of the region cannot be guaranteed in the long term if these threats are not addressed. It is through diplomacy and diplomacy alone that the security and stability of the region can be guaranteed in the long term. For diplomacy to prevail, Iran must heed the message of resolution 2817 (2026) and agree to enter into negotiations in good faith to reach a negotiated framework for its nuclear and ballistic programmes and its regional activities. France will continue to mobilize to achieve such a negotiated solution.

The draft resolution submitted by Russia (S/2026/159) reaffirms the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It urges all parties to immediately cease military actions, condemns all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure and encourages all parties concerned to return to the track of diplomatic negotiations. Its content is principled and balanced, which China welcomes and supports. We are disappointed and regret that the draft resolution was not adopted. This is a war that should not have happened; it is a war that benefits no one. The history of the Middle East has repeatedly shown the world that the use of force does not solve problems, and armed conflicts only fuel hatred and beget new crises. The pressing priority is to immediately end military operations, prevent the escalation and spread of hostilities, and return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible. China will continue its efforts to achieve peace.

The Kingdom of Bahrain would like to sincerely thank the friendly Russian Federation for its initiative in submitting the draft resolution on the dangerous escalation in the Middle East region (S/2026/159). We appreciate this initiative, which reflects the Russian Federation’s desire to contribute to addressing the rapidly unfolding developments in the region. The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes these efforts. However, we abstained in the voting and did not support the draft resolution because of its general wording which does not adequately reflect the nature of the dangerous military escalation the region has recently witnessed as a result of Iran’s unjustified and reprehensible attacks against my country and the other countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. These attacks are a clear violation of the principles of good neighbourliness and respect for the sovereignty of States and a grave breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Based on our responsibility as a State directly affected by the situation in the region, we prioritized the resolution that we submitted on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (resolution 2817 (2026)), which seeks to address current developments in a more specific and realistic manner that reflects the nature of the security challenges facing the countries in the region. In this context, the Kingdom of Bahrain counts on the support of the international community for the resolution that we submitted and that was adopted by the Security Council. We once again express our deep appreciation to all 135 Member States that co-sponsored the resolution. This overwhelming support from the international community reflects a collective awakening to the gravity of the treacherous Iranian aggression against the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan over the past 12 days.

Denmark abstained in the voting on draft resolution S/2026/159, presented today by Russia, as Denmark does not believe that the Russian Federation submitted this draft resolution in good faith. In contrast, resolution 2817 (2026), submitted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, represents a genuine effort to respond to the concerns of the region and contribute meaningfully to de-escalation in the Middle East. That resolution, which the Council adopted just now, has a clear operational focus, guided by the region, which should be the direction of our collective efforts. We regret that, rather than being guided by the voices of the region — and indeed by the overwhelming support expressed across the wider United Nations membership — the Russian Federation has instead chosen to submit a new text that diverts the Council’s attention away from that broad support. It is well known that Iran, for years, has been a destabilizing factor in the region and beyond. Now the regime in Tehran continues its destructive behaviour by attacking countries in the region, including civilians and civilian objects, disrupting maritime security and threatening regional stability, international peace and security and the global economy. None of this is reflected in Russia’s draft resolution. For this reason, Denmark did not support the draft resolution presented by Russia today.

Latvia voted against draft resolution S/2026/159, submitted by the Russian Federation, for the following reasons. Latvia unequivocally supports the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations recalled in this text, including the prohibition of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, as well as the principles of international law, including international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. And we share the deep concern regarding the current escalation of hostilities in the Middle East and beyond. However, we could not support the presented draft, as it was submitted by a permanent member of the Council that is itself daily violating the very principles it now calls upon others to respect. Its aggression, use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of Ukraine, as well as the continued attacks against civilian infrastructure and civilians carried out by Russia in Ukraine stand in total contradiction to the commitments invoked in this draft. It is cynical and represents hypocrisy of the highest order. Iran is now attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure in the region and beyond with the same weapons it is supplying to Russia to attack civilians in Ukraine. We therefore agree that the draft resolution was not submitted in good faith and, despite our agreement with the values and objectives outlined in the text, Latvia was compelled to vote against it.

We are deeply disappointed by the fact that the Security Council today failed to adopt such a highly demanded draft resolution (S/2026/159), which focused on the need to de-escalate in the Middle East and to return to looking for negotiated solutions. We would like to express our appreciation to those colleagues who voted in favour of the text Russia presented. We think that their behaviour was responsible, in principle, as befits members of the Security Council. Unfortunately, some of the colleagues did not manage to muster enough strength and wisdom to make the only correct decision, and, for many of them, it was a deliberate decision because, for them, the main thing is to march in step with their older brother and to listen to his commands. They have just rejected the possibility for the Council to send an unequivocal demand to immediately stop hostilities and settle any and all disputes peacefully. This shows very clearly, yet again, that all of the loud statements on the part of those countries about how committed they are to international law, the Charter of the United Nations and peace are nothing more than empty rhetoric. Their position is dictated purely by their short-term political interests, bloc solidarity and the fear that they might fall out of favour with their older friends. More than that, it is for these reasons that they are prepared to continue further undermining the authority of the Council. It is very telling that not one of the delegations that spoke against the draft or abstained in the voting managed to explain what it is that they found objectionable in our text. Their routine statements, such as the need to focus on resolution 2817 (2026), put forward by Bahrain and the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, does not withstand any criticism. The Russian draft was in no way contradicted the document submitted by the countries of the region. It did not contain anything that was mutually exclusive in relation to that document. Therefore, their words were merely an absurd attempt to justify their fear to speak in support of the initiative, regardless of how balanced and depoliticized it is, only because it does not benefit those who truly provoked the bloody events in the Middle East. What is even more dangerous is that there are other geopolitical goals behind that decision. The responsibility for any negative consequences on the ground, in the wake of the partiality and responsibility of members of the Council, rests entirely with them. The voting results were a litmus test and an invitation for each to show their true colours. We are very curious to find out if the countries that did not support the text do not understand how pathetic they look. We have already mentioned that this is not even a matter of double standards. It is surreal; it is living in the world through the looking glass; and it is simply a disgrace. We will continue to remind these countries of that when, in another situation, they will try to present themselves as advocates of international law. Regardless of the outcome of the voting today, Russia will continue making all efforts possible to bring an end to the confrontation in the Middle East as quickly as possible and to settle all differences using peaceful means. We will help the countries in the region and the countries in the conflict. We count on a similar approach on the part of reasonable and constructively minded Member States.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States of America. The Russian Federation knew that it did not have the votes to adopt its draft resolution (S/2026/159) today, yet it insisted on proceeding to a vote. Russia is once again acting here, in the Security Council, to protect its partner, Iran. We reject Russia’s attempt to conflate lawful United States actions, taken in line with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, with Iran’s pattern of bloodshed and brutality towards its own people and around the world and with its recent, deliberate and at scale targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf and the Middle East. The United States will continue to work here, in the Council, and beyond to hold the Iranian regime to account and to bring to light its destabilizing and unlawful actions. Russia’s attempts to prevent the Council from acting in line with its core principles will not deter us. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

At the outset, I must express our profound regret about the Council’s action today. This is a deeply regrettable day for the Security Council and for the international community. Today’s adoption of resolution 2817 (2026) is a serious setback to the Council’s credibility and leaves a lasting stain on its record. Today’s action represents a blatant misuse of the Security Council mandate in pursuit of the political agendas of certain members. The very State responsible for the brutal war of aggression against my country — the regime of the United States — sits on the other side of this Chamber as President of the Council, abusing its position, while obstructing every effort to bring an end to this barbaric war against the Iranian people and preventing the Council from fulfilling its Charter-based responsibilities. Let me make it clear: this resolution is a manifest injustice against my country — the main victim of a clear act of aggression. It distorts the realities on the ground and deliberately ignores the root causes of the current crisis. The very purpose of this biased and politically motivated text, which was pushed by the Israeli regime and the United States, is clear: to reverse the roles and positions of the victims and the aggressors. It rewards the regimes of the United States and Israel, which have violated the Charter of the United Nations and committed acts of aggression. In doing so, it establishes impunity and sends the wrong message to the international community, emboldening the aggressors to commit further crimes. Accordingly, we do not recognize the Council’s action today. We consider it unjust, unlawful, inconsistent with the United Nations Charter and international law and an action that completely disregards the established principles governing the determination of acts of aggression and breaches of the peace. Make no mistake: today it is Iran; tomorrow it could be any other sovereign State. We thank Russia and China for their constructive efforts. Those members that voted in favour of this resolution, in particular the European members of the Council, namely France, the United Kingdom, Greece, Denmark and Latvia, have demonstrated that their repeated claims of defending the Charter and the principles of international law are nothing more than empty words and hollow rhetoric. These members lacked even the minimal courage to acknowledge the perpetrators of the aggression — Israel and the United States — while expressing concern about the violations of the Charter and international law and speaking of international peace and security. By deliberately ignoring the flagrant violation of the most fundamental principle of the Charter — the prohibition of the use of force — these members have once again shown that, for them, respect for the Charter and international law is selective and subordinate to political agendas. Their hypocritical and irresponsible conduct once again demonstrates that political considerations take precedence over their professed commitment to international law and the Charter. It is evident that these countries are simply implementing political instructions from Washington, rather than exercising independent judgment and decision-making. Regrettably, some members, distorting reality and facts on the ground, have engaged in a cynical and blatant attempt to blame, accuse and condemn Iran, while ignoring the root causes of the current situation, whitewashing the United States and Israel’s heinous crimes and military aggression, especially the massacre of 170 schoolgirls in Minab, as if it were Iran that had initiated this war. We categorically and strongly reject all the baseless and politically motivated accusations made by some members against my country, which are entirely devoid of any legal foundation. The aim of these accusations is clear: to distort reality and deflect the attention of the international community from the war crimes and crimes against humanity that have been, and are being, committed against the people of Iran by the Israeli regime and the United States. But the facts disprove these accusations and speak loudly and clearly. Against this backdrop, I now wish to emphasize the following points. First, the root causes of the current situation are clear and simple. On 28 February, the United States and the Israeli regime launched a military attack against the Islamic Republic of Iran in flagrant violation of Article 2, paragraph 4, of the United Nations Charter and the peremptory norm prohibiting aggression. This illegitimate and unprovoked war began with the cowardly terrorist assassination of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran — the highest official of a sovereign Member State of the United Nations — and several senior State officials, resulting in the deaths and injuries of thousands of civilians. This aggression was accompanied by coordinated attacks on both military and civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, residential buildings, sports facilities, public service centres and relief facilities across the country. These acts constitute grave violations of international law and serious breaches of international humanitarian law. Senior officials of the aggressor States, including the President of the United States and the criminal Prime Minister of Israel, have publicly acknowledged and justified these attacks, thereby openly admitting responsibility for this unlawful act of aggression. Since 28 February, the continued military strikes by the United States and the Israeli regime have martyred more than 1,348 civilians, including women and children, injured more than 17,000 civilians and destroyed or damaged 19,734 civilian sites. These include 16,191 residential homes, 1,617 commercial and service centres, 77 medical and pharmaceutical facilities, 65 schools and educational institutions, 16 Red Crescent buildings and multiple energy infrastructure facilities. Their scale and systematic nature mean that these attacks clearly constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Secondly, in response to this deliberate and unjustified aggression, the Islamic Republic of Iran has exercised, and continues to exercise, its inherent right of self- defence in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. And in the light of the failure of the Security Council to discharge its duties and responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations, Iran has undertaken necessary and proportionate defensive operations against the bases and facilities of the aggressors in the region. Such actions are lawful under international law, and advance warnings about them have been clearly and repeatedly given through various channels and at different levels. Our response is lawful, necessary and proportionate. Iran targets only the military objectives of the aggressors. Our assessment indicates that some of these incidents may have resulted from interceptions by the United States defence system, which could have resulted in diversions from intended military targets. Thirdly, since the beginning of this aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran by the United States and the Israeli regime, the aggressors have also used the territories and facilities of certain third States in the region to launch unlawful military attacks. It is a fundamental principle of international law that States are prohibited from knowingly allowing their territory to be used, directly or indirectly, to cause damage to other States. In addition, article 3 (f) of the annex to General Assembly resolution 3314 (XXIX) of 14 December 1974 clearly categorized and recognized as an act of aggression the action of a State in allowing its territory, which it has placed at the disposal of another State, to be used by that State for perpetrating an act of aggression against a third State. Furthermore, it is a principle of international law, emanating from the jus cogens character of the prohibition of aggression, that States must undertake all necessary measures to prevent foreign armed forces based in their territory from committing acts of aggression against other States and must not facilitate or support such acts. It is evident that in the event of a breach of these fundamental obligations, a State whose territory has been used to carry out acts of aggression against a third State bears international legal responsibility, including responsibility for the reparation of direct and indirect damage resulting from such attacks. Similarly, the measures claimed to have been taken by the United Kingdom and certain other States outside the region under the pretext of a so-called right of individual or collective self-defence are devoid of any legal basis and are wholly unjustifiable under international law. Such actions may themselves constitute acts of aggression. Moreover, these States have deliberately refrained from identifying the original aggressors — namely, the United States and the Israeli regime — and have, in effect, attempted to reverse the roles of victims and aggressors. Fourthly, the aggressors, in particular the United States, are under the obligation to make full reparation for the injury caused by the ongoing violation against Iran and its citizens, including any damage incurred. Furthermore, the individual criminal responsibility of the President of the United States and any other United States officials and individuals involved in the grave breach of international humanitarian law, including for directing deliberate attacks against civilians and launching wilful attacks against civilian objects, is beyond doubt. Fifthly, the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to maintaining friendly relations with the countries in the Persian Gulf region, based on mutual respect, the principle of good neighbourliness and respect for one another’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iran re-emphasizes that its defence operations targeting United States military bases and facilities in the region are in no way directed against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries of the region. Also, the Israeli regime has succeeded in dragging the United States into a regional conflict. Iran’s relations with its neighbours are rooted in long-standing historical, cultural and geographical ties. Once the current tensions diminish, Iran and its neighbouring countries will inevitably return to the traditional relations of cooperation, mutual respect and good neighbourliness. Iran, as a co-founder and responsible Member of the United Nations, has consistently honoured its obligations and respected international law and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the claim that Iran has closed the Strait is simply untrue. Meanwhile, Iran will never abandon its right under international law to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national and vital interests, as it deems necessary. Sixthly, the Council must confront the real source of the threat to regional and international peace and security and act without delay to stop this bloody war against the Iranian people. It must compel the aggressors, the United States and Israel, to immediately cease all military attacks against Iran, including against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure full accountability for these grave violations of international humanitarian law and war crimes.

I now give the floor to the representative of Israel.

In the past day, the Iranian regime has fired missiles and drones not only at Israel, but across the region: at Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Cyprus. And this is what the regime is doing before having nuclear weapons. Imagine what it would do if it had them. This is not just about the joint United States-Israel campaign. This is a regime attacking its neighbours. That is why we welcome the initiative of the Gulf Cooperation Council States condemning these attacks. Their message is clear. Targeting civilians is wrong. Targeting cities is wrong. And Iran must stop. However, what we are seeing today did not begin two weeks ago for Israel. It did not begin on 28 February. It did not begin last year during the 12-day war. It began all the way back in 1979, when the regime in Tehran made the destruction of the United States and Israel part of its mission and ideology. For 47 years, this regime has armed terror organizations across the Middle East. It has spread violence across the region. It has targeted Israeli civilians through cowardly proxy attacks. And today, it races towards nuclear capability while building the missiles to deliver it. This is not a new crisis. It is a result of decades of aggression. For decades, the international community tried diplomacy. Negotiations were attempted. Channels remained open. But diplomacy requires honesty, not what we just heard from the representative of Iran. Iran used diplomacy as cover. While diplomats spoke, centrifuges span. While negotiations were held, the regime fortified its nuclear programme. Facilities were buried deep underground. Complexes were carved into mountains to shield them from consequences. At the same time, Iran rebuilt its ballistic missile programme. Before this joint operation began, Iran was again producing dozens of ballistic missiles every month, missiles capable of carrying warheads weighing up to one ton and of reaching targets across the Middle East and even parts of Europe. Iran has enriched uranium to 60 per cent. It possesses more than 460 kilograms at that level alone — an amount that Iran, when negotiating with Special Envoy Witkoff, admitted that it possesses, also admitting that it can produce 11 nuclear bombs. It confirmed that it controls this stockpile, and that was the starting point of the negotiation position. No civilian nuclear programme requires enrichment to 60 per cent — none. And peaceful nuclear programmes do not hide critical facilities deep inside mountains. Yet, here at the United Nations, we have a very different story. We just heard a very long speech. The representative of Iran tells us that the nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. Ambassador Iravani says Iran is only targeting military sites. Council members just heard him. He said it. That is simply not true. Mr. Iravani and his regime are lying to all of us. He says that they are only targeting military targets. How can he say that? We are not stupid. I know it. I know it because Iran’s missiles target cities in Israel where my daughters are now and where my mother lives. And the representatives of the Gulf States, sitting here today, can tell us the same thing. They have seen the cowardly attacks on civilians and airports. Iranian missiles and drones have struck ports, infrastructure and hotels across the region. These are not military targets. These are civilian sites. And he thinks that if he writes a letter every day repeating the same lies, people will start to believe him. That will not work for him. Over the past week, Iran’s representative has sent letter after letter to the Security Council. In fact, here they are: 15 letters, at least one per day, each repeating the same accusations. These letters even blame Israel and the United States. He has the audacity to call us terrorists. Before making such accusations, Mr. Iravani may want to look in the mirror. The regime that he represents fires missiles at civilians across the region and then writes letters claiming victimhood. The only letter that he should write is an apology to the Iranian people, and afterwards, maybe he should request political asylum. That is the only letter that he should write. Peaceful regimes do not enrich uranium to 60 per cent and stockpile hundreds of kilograms of it. Peaceful regimes do not hide nuclear facilities deep inside mountains, and peaceful regimes do not build ballistic missiles capable of carrying one-ton warheads across the region and into Europe. Israel remains committed to protecting our people, defending our region and ensuring that the Iranian regime never acquires nuclear weapons.

I shall now make a further statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States of America. In that regard, I want to be perfectly clear and polite about the fact that there has been some misrepresentation here today. So, I just want to clear one thing up. The accusation that this resolution (resolution 2817 (2026)), put forward by the Kingdom of Bahrain, supported by every member of the Gulf Cooperation Council —I see all of them here today — and supported by 135 countries, the most co-sponsors of a Security Council resolution ever, was somehow manipulated by one or two countries is laughable. We urge Iran to hear the voice of the Council, of this resolution, which saw no opposition today, and of the entire international community. But more importantly, we urge Iran to listen to its own brave people and stop the indiscriminate attacks on civilians across the Middle East. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I give him the floor.

I will be brief. A lot of those countries that you mentioned, Mr. President, tell us in private that they were compelled to co- sponsor this resolution (resolution 2817 (2026)) and that, in reality, they do not accept it. As I said in my statement, it is an illegal and illegitimate aggressive war, imposed on my country by the regimes of the United States and Israel. The United States has violated the Charter of the United Nations and fundamental principles of international law. Iran is the victim of this war, not the aggressor. The aggressors are the United States and Israel. As long as the Security Council remains unable to fulfil its responsibility to maintain international peace and security, Iran has no choice but to continue to exercise its inherent right to self-defence to safeguard and defend its sovereignty, its territorial integrity and its vital interests. Countries in the region, instead of blaming Iran, should place pressure on the true aggressors — the United States and Israel. The United States, together with the Israeli regime, is deliberately and indiscriminately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure across my country. One stark example of these heinous crimes is the killing of 170 schoolgirls in Minab. This constitutes a war crime. Just today, the United States announced its intention to target all port facilities where Iranian naval forces operate. This action is a blatant war crime.