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

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