Arab foreign ministers strongly denounce Iranian threats to close Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al Mandeb Strait

CAIRO — The Council of the Arab League at the level of foreign ministers strongly condemned the blatant attacks carried out by Iran using missiles and drones against the territories of the six Gulf states as well as Jordan and Iraq. In a resolution issued by the extraordinary ministerial-level meeting of the Arab League Council, the foreign ministers also denounced Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab Al Mandeb Strait. They called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to assume its responsibility in maintaining regional and international peace and security and to ensure accountability for attacks deliberately targeting civilian facilities and infrastructure. The meeting, held on Tuesday via videoconference, and chaired by Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani, discussed the unlawful Iranian attacks against Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. The meeting underlined the obligations of Iran under international law.The council reaffirmed that these deliberate attacks constitute a grave violation of the sovereignty of those states, undermine regional peace and security, and represent a flagrant breach of international law, including international humanitarian law and the UN Charter. The council noted that Iran has failed to comply with the binding request issued by the UNSC in its Resolution 2817 of 2026 to immediately cease its attacks against Arab states, adding that its continued deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian objects constitutes a violation of international law. The resolution also stressed that Iran bears full international responsibility for its unlawful and unjustified attacks against Arab states, and is obligated under international law to make full reparation for all resulting damage and losses, including restitution, compensation, and satisfaction. The council reaffirmed the full support of Arab states for the right of affected countries to resort to international and regional institutions to secure resolutions condemning these attacks and holding Iran accountable for their consequences.It called on relevant Arab and regional bodies, in coordination with affected countries, to consider establishing mechanisms to document violations, assess damages and losses, and pursue avenues for redress through diplomatic, legal, and other peaceful means. The resolution reiterated its condemnation of Iranian measures and threats aimed at closing the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al Mandeb, describing them as violations of international law and the principle of freedom of navigation in international straits. It stressed that any attempt by Iran to obstruct lawful maritime passage constitutes a threat to the security of sea lanes and global energy supplies, affirming the right of Arab states to defend their vessels and means of transport in accordance with international law. The council said that any attempt by Iran to obstruct lawful transit and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz would constitute an internationally unlawful act, adding that Iran would bear international responsibility and be obliged to provide full reparation for all resulting damage, injuries, and economic losses. It reiterated that such actions threaten the stability of the Arabian Gulf region and its vital role in the global economy and energy supplies, as well as international peace and security. The council also stressed its rejection and condemnation of Iran’s continued financing, arming, and mobilization of affiliated militias in several Arab countries in pursuit of its interests, describing this as a serious threat to the security and stability of those states and the region. Arab foreign ministers urged the UNSC to uphold its responsibility to safeguard regional and international peace and security, ensure accountability for deliberate attacks targeting civilian facilities and infrastructure, and work toward the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 2817, including requiring Iran to immediately halt all its attacks against Arab states and comply with its international obligations. The council also affirmed the inherent right of affected Arab states to self-defense, individually or collectively, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, and to take all necessary measures to protect their sovereignty, security, and stability, stressing that the provisions of this resolution do not prejudice any rights or remedies available to states under international law.It tasked Arab groups within international organizations, councils of Arab ambassadors, and Arab missions to the UN and other international forums with taking urgent and coordinated action at all levels to convey the content of this resolution to relevant capitals and to regional and international organizations concerned.