Cairo: The Council of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level convened an extraordinary session via videoconference under the chairmanship of the United Arab Emirates to discuss the targeting of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Arab states which have been subjected to unprovoked Iranian attacks.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting addressed the Iranian assaults on several Arab countries, which constitute an unprovoked violation of international law and conventions and the principles of good neighbourliness. These attacks pose serious risks that threaten the security and stability of Arab states and the region as a whole. Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, chaired the meeting, stating that Iran had "launched sinister, cowardly and unjustified attacks on our Arab nations."
He noted that the unprovoked Iranian attacks, as stated in Resolution No. 9241 issued by the extraordinary session of the Council of the League of Arab States, targeted the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the Republic of Iraq. Al Marar stressed that none of these countries are part of the ongoing armed conflict with Iran nor have they been involved in it. On the contrary, they have exerted significant efforts and mediation initiatives to avoid reaching this dangerous situation that threatens regional security and stability.
Al Marar emphasized that these countries have adhered to a policy of not allowing their territories, airspace, or waters to be used in any attack against Iran. Despite these efforts, Iran has launched attacks since 28th February, targeting Arab states with ballistic missiles and drones, indiscriminately affecting civilian facilities and infrastructure including commercial ports, airports, and residential areas. These attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and destruction of facilities.
He pointed out that these continued Iranian attacks constitute a fully-fledged act of aggression and a violation of national sovereignty, breaching international law, the UN Charter, and the principles of good neighbourliness. Al Marar noted that, due to the vigilance and efficiency of the armed forces and air defense systems in the targeted countries, the consequences of the attacks were mitigated. He expressed appreciation for the efforts to protect peoples and confront the Iranian aggression.
Al Marar also highlighted the disruption caused by the aggression to international air traffic and maritime transport, which threatens international peace and security. He reiterated that the UAE is not a party to the armed conflict against Iran and has never allowed its territory to be used against Iran. The Iranian attacks are viewed as overt aggression against the sovereignty of the UAE and other targeted Arab states.
He called for all Arab states to reject this aggression and hold Iran legally accountable. Al Marar urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to condemn Iranian aggression and adopt a binding resolution for Iran to cease its attacks. He expressed appreciation to countries that have condemned the attacks and called on Arab League members to support the draft resolution submitted to the United Nations Security Council.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the draft resolution entitled 'Targeting the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Arab States Subjected to Iranian Attacks' was adopted.