Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 25, 2026 Peace and security
During an emergency session on Wednesday, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution condemning Iran's strikes on the Persian Gulf states.
Meanwhile, strikes against Iran and Israel, as well as Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, continue. Reports indicate that approximately 2,000 US military personnel are preparing to deploy to the region. Meanwhile, Iran has told the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to "non-hostile" vessels not affiliated with the US or Israel.
Shipping under restrictions
The IMO confirmed that it had held consultations with Iran to clarify the criteria under which ships are allowed to pass through the strategically important Strait of HormuzA letter from Iranian authorities sent on Tuesday stated that the strait remains open, but safe passage will only be provided for "non-hostile" vessels.
It also clarifies that “vessels, equipment and any assets belonging to the aggressor parties, namely the United States and the Israeli regime, as well as other participants in the aggression, do not fall under the category of peaceful or non-hostile passage.”
The UN agency noted that the reports received make it clear that some vessels will not be able to transit the strait, and dialogue on this issue must continue. Evacuation remains the IMO's primary objective. about 20 thousand sailors, stuck west of the Strait of Hormuz.
Urgent debate in Geneva
The UN Human Rights Council has begun an "urgent debate" – the eleventh since the Council's creation in 2006.
The Member States agreed to discuss "the recent military aggression launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran on 28 February 2026 against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure."
Another urgent discussion will take place on Friday – at the initiative of Iran, China and Cuba – regarding attack on a school in Minab, which reportedly killed 168 children.
"Chaos" and violations of international law
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the situation in the Persian Gulf countries as "chaos" more than three weeks after the US and Israeli strikes on Iran began.
He also noted the "extremely dangerous and unpredictable" developments, pointing to numerous attacks using Iranian drones and missiles on military bases, residential areas and energy infrastructure.
"Many of the attacks in this conflict raise serious questions under international law, which prohibits attacks on civilians and their infrastructure, as well as attacks on military targets, if the harm to civilians is disproportionate," Türk emphasized.
Statements of the parties
An Iranian official reported that since February 28, as a result of Israeli and US strikes, about 45,000 residential buildings have been destroyed in the country, and 53 hospitals and 57 schools have been shelled.
"Today, Iran mourns the loss of more than 1,500 lives, including 300 children," Ali Bahraini said.
At the same time, the United Arab Emirates condemned the ongoing attacks by Iran, stressing that it has never allowed its airspace to be used to launch strikes against Iran.
"The contradiction between Iran's claims of good-neighbourly relations and its actions in practice, including attempts to justify attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure such as airports, ports, oil facilities and tourism infrastructure, cannot be ignored," said UAE spokesman Jamal Al Musharrah.
Resolution and disagreements
The Human Rights Council adopted a resolution related to the current debate, condemning Iran's "egregious attacks" on Gulf states and demanding an end to "all unprovoked attacks" on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan.
However, the document does not mention the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which started the conflict, as pointed out by the Indonesian delegation.
"The text does not address the attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, nor Israeli strikes on Lebanon, which continue to worsen the situation,” the country’s representatives said.
Switzerland, in turn, supported the resolution, noting that “Iran’s attacks go beyond the right to self-defense.”
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