Gulf States Push UN Human Rights Council to Condemn Iran, Demand Reparations

The United Nations Human Rights Council convened a rare urgent debate on Wednesday over Iran’s ongoing missile and drone strikes on Gulf states and Jordan, with affected countries demanding an immediate halt to hostilities and full reparations for damages.

The emergency session, requested by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council — comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates — alongside Jordan, focused on Iranian strikes that began on February 28, 2026.

The attacks, according to Tehran, were carried out in retaliation for earlier military actions by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory, further escalating tensions across the Middle East.

During the debate, Gulf states strongly backed a draft resolution that “condemns in the strongest terms the egregious attacks” by Iran. The resolution also criticises Tehran’s attempts to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, and raises “grave concerns” over strikes targeting energy infrastructure and civilian facilities.

The draft text demands that Iran “immediately and unconditionally cease all unprovoked attacks” against GCC countries and Jordan, while calling for “full, effective and prompt reparation” for all damage and injuries caused.

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Addressing the council, Bahrain said it had endured 26 consecutive days of what it described as “unprovoked, unjustified aggression.” Kuwait reported that strikes had hit civilian locations, including its international airport, calling the attacks “a form of terror” against civilians. Oman, while condemning the violence, reiterated its commitment to diplomatic engagement and de-escalation.

In a stark warning, Volker Türk told the council via video link that continued military activity near nuclear and civilian sites risks “unmitigated catastrophe.” He urged all parties with influence to prioritise dialogue and take immediate steps to halt the conflict.

Iran’s representative rejected the accusations as politically motivated and one-sided, insisting that Tehran’s actions were legitimate defensive responses. The envoy accused Israel of fuelling instability and dragging the region toward broader conflict.

The Human Rights Council debate follows mounting international pressure on Iran. On March 11, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2817, which condemned Iran’s attacks as violations of international law and threats to global peace. The resolution passed with 13 votes in favour, while China and Russia abstained.

Diplomatic sources indicate that more than 100 countries have expressed support for stronger international action, reflecting growing concern over the conflict’s potential to destabilise global energy markets and disrupt supply chains.

The Human Rights Council is expected to vote on the draft resolution in the coming days, a move that could further isolate Iran diplomatically and intensify calls for accountability.

Meanwhile, a separate urgent debate requested by Iran and its allies is scheduled for Friday, focusing on a deadly strike on a school in Minab, southern Iran — a development that underscores the widening humanitarian dimension of the crisis.

As tensions continue to rise, analysts warn that sustained attacks around the Gulf region — particularly near critical infrastructure and shipping routes — could have far-reaching consequences for global security and the world economy.

Gulf States Push UN Human Rights Council to Condemn Iran, Demand Reparations

Military Plane Crash in Colombia Kills 66, Dozens Rescued (video)

At least 66 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating military plane crash in Colombia, authorities said on Tuesday.

The aircraft, operated by the Colombian National Army, was carrying 125 individuals at the time of the incident, including 114 military personnel and 11 crew members.

Crashed site

Emergency response teams have so far rescued 57 survivors from the wreckage, many of whom sustained injuries and have been taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Rescue operations were still ongoing as of press time, with officials working to locate any additional survivors and recover the remains of victims.

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The crash, described as one of the deadliest military aviation disasters in recent years in Colombia, has sent shockwaves across the country. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the حادث, but early indications suggest that investigators are examining the possibility of mechanical failure or adverse weather conditions.

Government officials have expressed condolences to the families of the victims, while the military has pledged full cooperation with aviation authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.

Further details are expected as inquiries continue and more information becomes available.

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US Under Fire Over Alleged $1bn Immigration Fees Without Services

The United States government is facing growing scrutiny over allegations that more than $1 billion in immigration-related fees have been collected without corresponding services being delivered to applicants, raising concerns about fairness, transparency, and compliance within the immigration system.

The controversy was highlighted during a Senate hearing by policy analyst David J. Bier, who argued that processing delays and policy restrictions have effectively stalled many immigration applications while fees continue to be collected.

“This is the largest fraud in the history of the US immigration system,” Bier told lawmakers, adding that the situation represents “the first $1 billion theft of processing fees for services never rendered.”

The claims come amid broader debates over immigration policies introduced and enforced under the administration of Donald Trump, which critics say have contributed to widespread backlogs and processing freezes across multiple visa and residency categories.

According to the allegations raised, applicants from several countries—including Nigeria, Iran, and Haiti—have been affected by entry restrictions and visa limitations. In some cases, individuals reportedly proceed through application stages, including interviews, without being informed of their ineligibility in advance, leading to non-refundable fees being paid for applications that are ultimately denied or left unresolved.

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Additional concerns have been raised over policies affecting individuals already residing in the United States. Reports indicate that certain immigration benefits, such as work permits and permanent residency applications, have faced indefinite delays or suspensions regardless of applicants’ length of stay or eligibility status.

The United States Department of State has also been cited in discussions surrounding the suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of multiple countries, reportedly over concerns related to public welfare dependency and security screening. Critics argue that such broad measures may conflict with immigration laws requiring case-by-case adjudication rather than nationality-based restrictions.

The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery programme has also been impacted, with applicants still able to submit entries and attend interviews, but experiencing delays or non-issuance of visas in certain instances, further contributing to frustration among applicants.

Immigration fees in the United States are typically structured across multiple stages, including petition filing, biometric services, visa processing, and work authorisation. For example, sponsoring a spouse can cost several thousand dollars when all required fees are combined, making the alleged lack of service delivery particularly significant for applicants.

Lawmakers have begun expressing concern over the situation. Senator John Kennedy described the reports as alarming, while calling for greater oversight and accountability in how immigration services are administered and funded.

Bier has urged Congress to intervene, recommending the immediate resumption of application processing and clearer adherence to statutory requirements governing immigration adjudication. He argued that while applicants who do not meet eligibility criteria can lawfully be denied, fees should not be collected without the provision of meaningful processing services.

“If someone cannot establish their eligibility, they can be denied under the law,” he said. “But there is no reason to take people’s fees and fail to provide the service the law entitles them to.”

The debate adds to ongoing national discussions about immigration reform in the United States, particularly around processing efficiency, administrative transparency, and the balance between national security concerns and fair access to legal immigration pathways. Observers say the issue could prompt further congressional scrutiny and potential policy reviews in the coming months.

US Under Fire Over Alleged $1bn Immigration Fees Without Services