Israeli attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon have escalated, while reports indicate that around 2 000 United States (US) troops may soon be mobilised to the region. At the same time, Iran has informed the United Nations (UN)’s maritime agency that the Strait of Hormuz remains open only to “non‑hostile” vessels, adding further strain to global trade and energy markets.
In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Council held a rare urgent debate on the crisis at the request of Bahrain and several Gulf States. The meeting focused on the impact of Iranian attacks on public buildings and key energy infrastructure across the region.
The Council voted to adopt a resolution condemning what it described as “egregious attacks” by Iran on Gulf States. The text demands an end to “all unprovoked attacks” against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
Indonesia criticised the resolution for failing to acknowledge the Israeli and US strikes on Iran that triggered the current conflict. “The text excludes addressing the attacks from the US and Israel against Iran, as well as Israel’s attacks on Lebanon,” its delegation said.
Switzerland supported the resolution, arguing that “the attacks by Iran exceed the right to legitimate defence”.
The Council also agreed to hold a second urgent debate on the deadly strike on Minab school in Iran, which killed 168 children during the first days of the conflict. The request came from Iran, China and Cuba.
The UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) confirmed it has been in contact with Iran to clarify new restrictions on shipping. In a letter to the agency, Iran said the Strait of Hormuz remains open but only to vessels deemed “non‑hostile”. Ships belonging to “aggressor parties”, specifically the US and Israel, would be denied passage.
“It is clear from the communications that some ships are not going to be allowed to transit,” the IMO said. “We need to continue to have conversations.”
The agency’s immediate priority is the evacuation of 20 000 seafarers stranded west of the Strait. “Seafarers are just doing their job,” the IMO stressed, noting that crews come from many nationalities and are not party to the conflict.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
