Bahrain has emphasised that the current phase requires all Arab states to strengthen unity, consolidate ranks, and act with a spirit of collective responsibility to effectively address shared challenges.
Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani made the statement yesterday during a meeting of the Arab League Ministerial Council as Bahrain assumes the presidency at its 165th session.
The meeting discussed the repercussions of the blatant Iranian attacks against GCC and Arab countries, the resulting loss of lives and property, as well as the implications of restricting international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz on energy security, food supplies and global trade.
Dr Al Zayani reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to supporting joint Arab action and strengthening co-operation and solidarity among Arab states to address current challenges.
He stressed the importance of co-ordinating Arab positions in international forums, particularly the United Nations, to enhance Arab presence and influence globally, and defend Arab causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause.
He reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment, in its capacity as the Arab member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), to defend Arab interests and amplify their voice at the international level.
He expressed appreciation for the constructive and positive engagement of Arab states during the extraordinary Ministerial Council session held on March 8, convened in response to the treacherous Iranian attacks, and for the resolution adopted, which affirmed the right of affected states to self-defence, individually or collectively, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
He reiterated support for recourse to international institutions, including the UNSC and General Assembly, and for all efforts aimed at securing international resolutions condemning these attacks.
The minister noted that the kingdom, on behalf of the GCC states and Jordan, submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, which was adopted on March 11 as Resolution 2817, reflecting the collective will of the international community to uphold state sovereignty and maintain international peace and security.
He expressed pride in the broad support the resolution received from 136 UN member states, as a clear indication of the international community’s commitment to upholding sovereignty and addressing threats to regional and global stability.
He pointed out that Iran has not complied with the resolution, which called for an immediate cessation of attacks, but has instead persisted in its escalation through ballistic missiles and drones targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including airports, ports, hotels, energy and industrial facilities, food security services, service sites, residential areas, and diplomatic and consular missions, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
He also commended the resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council in Geneva concerning the human rights implications of the unjustified Iranian attacks targeting several GCC states and Jordan, which was adopted by consensus with the support of 106 sponsoring countries.
Addressing maritime security, the minister highlighted Iran’s hostile practices in restricting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as a clear violation of international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and a serious threat to international navigation, energy supplies and global trade.
He noted that Bahrain is working with relevant partners to prepare a draft UN Security Council resolution aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in this vital waterway and obligating Iran to comply with international law and Security Council resolutions related to the Strait.
The Arab Ministerial Council issued a joint declaration reaffirming its full condemnation, in the strongest terms, of the deliberate and aggressive Iranian attacks carried out using ballistic missiles and drones, which targeted civilian areas, critical infrastructure and civilians, causing significant loss of life and property and spreading fear among citizens and residents in the targeted countries.
The council described these acts as a blatant violation of state sovereignty, a threat to security and an attack on civilian populations.
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