Kuwait regional silence against Iranian aggressions “no longer acceptable”

2026-03-25 - 13:22

Kuwait warned Wednesday that continued Iranian aggression and the international community’s silence are no longer acceptable, as such actions violate international law and risk triggering a wider regional escalation. Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Nasser Al-Hayen made the remarks during an emergency session of the United Nations Human Rights Council convened at the request of Gulf states and Jordan. Al-Hayen said Iranian violations have reached a grave level, rendering silence untenable, as persistent breaches of international conventions and laws have contributed to a deteriorating regional situation affecting human rights and stability. He stressed that ongoing aggressive conduct undermines years of regional efforts to promote good neighborliness and confidence-building, posing a serious threat to both regional and international peace and security. He added that recent attacks, including the targeting of a ministerial meeting in Riyadh, constituted a violation of diplomatic immunity and principles underpinning the United Nations. Al-Hayen said strikes on oil facilities, gas fields, infrastructure, and Kuwait International Airport reflect what he described as “psychological and material terrorism” against civilians and violations of fundamental human rights. He noted that repeated attacks on economic facilities and international waterways amount to “systematic economic aggression” aimed at disrupting development and undermining the right to development recognized by the UN General Assembly in 1986. Al-Hayen warned that threats to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz violate international maritime law and endanger global food and medical supply chains. He affirmed Kuwait’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, noting that restraint has been met with escalating attacks using ballistic missiles and drones in violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. Al-Hayen reiterated Kuwait’s right, and that of neighboring states, to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, urging support for a Gulf-backed draft resolution addressing Iranian actions. He stated that the draft resolution submitted by the Gulf regarding Iranian aggressions today is the bare minimum of the legitimate demands of regional states in response to these brazen criminal attacks against Kuwait and GCC countries, calling on member states to support the resolution. – Kuna