NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva on Wednesday renewed his country’s strong condemnation of “blatant Iranian attacks” against the Kingdom, other Arab Gulf states and Jordan at an emergency meeting of the UN Human Rights Council.
Abdulmohsen Majed bin Khothaila described the attacks as a violation of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a clear breach of international law and charters.
“Targeting a neighbor is a cowardly act and a blatant violation of the most basic principles of good neighborliness; targeting a mediator is a betrayal of peace efforts and a deliberate undermining of any path toward de-escalation; and targeting countries that are not parties to the conflict is an unjustifiable and unacceptable act of aggression that cannot be tolerated,” he said.
Iran’s actions reflect an approach based on “blackmail, sponsorship of militias, targeting neighboring countries and destabilizing them,” he added, warning that such behavior represents “a grave violation of international law and a direct threat to international peace and security.”
Iranian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to residential areas, as well as civilian and vital facilities and infrastructure.
Bin Khothaila said these actions constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law.
“Attempts by Iran to evade responsibility cannot deny what the world clearly sees, nor can Iran escape accountability,” he added.
“Continuing this approach will bring Iran no gains, but will instead impose a high political and economic cost and deepen its isolation.”
He urged Tehran to reconsider its “misguided calculations,” and condemned Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Arabian Gulf and disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting their serious implications for regional security and the global economy, particularly for developing and least-developed countries vulnerable to external shocks.
Bin Khothaila underscored that targeting energy sources and food security requirements has negative repercussions for the global economy.
He called for urgent international action, stating: “Silence is no longer an option and hesitation is no longer acceptable.”
He added: “The responsibility of this council requires action to address the human rights implications of these attacks and to enhance the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
