UN Security Council fails to adopt resolution calling for halt to military activity

The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, 11 March, failed to adopt a draft resolution calling on all parties to immediately cease military activities and refrain from further escalation in the Middle East and surrounding regions, whilst condemning all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The Security Council rejected the draft resolution, proposed by Russia, with four votes in favour, two against, and nine abstentions. Russia, China, Pakistan, and Somalia voted in favour, whilst the United States and Latvia voted against.

“We are deeply disappointed,” said Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia, stating that many Security Council members lacked the strength and wisdom to adopt the resolution proposed by his country.

Previously, the Security Council had adopted a separate draft resolution concerning the current Middle East crisis, which was triggered by combined US-Israeli military strikes against Iran beginning on 28 February, followed by Iranian retaliatory strikes across various parts of the Middle East.

The draft resolution, proposed by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), was adopted with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions. It condemned Iranian attacks against GCC countries and Jordan, demanded Iran immediately cease its attacks against them, and stated that such actions constitute violations of international law and a serious threat to international security.

“I must clarify: This resolution represents a flagrant injustice against my country, the primary victim of overt aggression. We regard it as unjust and illegal, inconsistent with the UN Charter and international law,” said Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani.