The text “condemns in the strongest terms the atrocious attacks” by Iran against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, determining that they constitute “a violation of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security.”
It also demands the “immediate cessation” of all Iranian attacks against these countries and calls on Tehran to fully comply with its obligations under international law, including the protection of civilians.
China’s abstention
China, which abstained, said it supported Gulf countries’ concerns but believed the text did not fully reflect the broader dynamics of the conflict.
“China is deeply concerned about the rapid escalation of the situation in the Gulf region, which risks pushing the entire Middle East into a dangerous abyss.“Ambassador Fu Cong told the Council.
While noting that China condemns attacks on civilians and non-military targets, it said the draft resolution “does not fully reflect the root cause and overall picture of the conflict in a balanced manner.”
He added that China therefore “had no choice but to abstain from the vote,” while urging all parties to stop military operations and return to dialogue.
Russia-led draft resolution
Shortly thereafter, the Council considered a draft resolution put forward by Russia that addressed the broader regional crisis.
The text urges “all parties” to immediately stop military activities and refrain from further escalation, without naming any of the parties. He also condemned attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The project received four votes in favor and two against, and nine members abstained, therefore it did not achieve the necessary support for its adoption.
For a resolution to be adopted, it must obtain at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the five permanent members.
Latvia votes no
Explaining Latvia’s vote against the text, Ambassador Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes said her country supports the United Nations Charter’s prohibition on the use of force and the protection of civilians under international law.
“However, We could not support the project presented since it was presented by a permanent member of this council, who in turn is violating daily for years the same principles that he now asks others to respect,” she said.
“We agree that this is not a resolution presented in good faith and, despite our agreement with the values and objectives outlined in the text, Latvia was forced to vote against it,” he added.