Foreign Minister and United Nations Security Council President for the current month Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani held a Press conference following the conclusion of the session dedicated to voting on the draft resolution submitted by Bahrain, on behalf of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan concerning freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, after the Council decided not to adopt the draft resolution.
The Foreign Minister expressed regret over the Security Council’s failure to adopt the draft resolution submitted to address the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that the Council had failed to discharge its responsibility to maintain international peace and security and to address Iran’s unlawful conduct with the clarity and firmness required by the gravity of the situation, noting that this matter does not permit delay or hesitation.
He added that Bahrain, as the sponsor of the draft resolution and a state directly affected by these developments, had engaged, together with the co-sponsoring states, in intensive consultations with all Council members through multiple rounds of negotiations, during which all views were carefully heard in good faith. The vote was even postponed to allow additional time to reach consensus, however, despite these efforts, the Council did not rise today to the level of responsibility required to adopt a clear and necessary text.
The minister stated: “We have made clear, on numerous occasions, that the countries of our region are not party to this conflict, have never been party to it, and do not wish to become party to it, and we categorically reject any Iranian claims to the contrary.”
He affirmed that the systematic Iranian attacks have targeted civilians, residential areas, vital facilities, the energy sector, and essential infrastructure, all owned by the countries of the region, thereby refuting any claims that they are directed exclusively at external military targets.
He affirmed that Bahrain, together with the GCC states and Jordan, will continue to intensify its diplomatic efforts, whether in the Security Council or across various international forums, and will not hesitate to work to deter these unlawful attacks, protect its peoples, citizens and residents of various nationalities, who have been subjected to unjustified aggression, safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, ensure the safe and lawful passage of international vessels, restore normal activity, and support the recovery of our economies and their full return to global markets.
The minister said: “Our determination is not driven solely by economic considerations, but also stems from our responsibility as sovereign states to protect the integrity of our territories and ensure that such unlawful practices do not become an accepted precedent in international relations.”
The minister warned that the consequences of inaction are now being felt globally, as rising food, transport, and energy prices are affecting millions, while tens of millions are at risk of acute food insecurity. He stressed that the international community is called upon to stand with the states affected by these unjustified acts and to defend international law.
Dr Al Zayani reaffirmed that Bahrain and the countries of the region will continue to take all necessary steps to protect their sovereignty, security, and stability, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and that our countries have demonstrated considerable restraint and patience in the face of this ongoing Iranian aggression, however, such patience cannot continue without limits.
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