Explanation of Vote by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK
Chargé d'Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting
on the Middle East.
Colleagues, in adopting this resolution, the Council sends a
clear message of condemnation of Iran's reckless attacks against
the Gulf States and Jordan.
It is right that this Council wholeheartedly condemns Iran's
attacks, which pose a serious threat to our partners in the Gulf
and to Jordan, and risk further regional and global
conflagration.
It is also right that the Council reiterates its support for the
territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of
the Gulf States and Jordan.
We welcome Bahrain's leadership on this important resolution,
even as they continue to face attacks against civilian
infrastructure, resulting in injuries and the loss of life.
The United Kingdom is steadfast in our support for the security
of the Gulf States and Jordan.
We have been participating in coordinated regional defensive
operations.
We will continue to support them and have strengthened our
capabilities in the region to increase our defensive support to
our partners in the Gulf and beyond.
But we want to see an end to these attacks. That is why we
co-sponsored and voted for this resolution.
This resolution imposes important obligations on Iran to
immediately cease all attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, and
provocation or threats against neighbouring States, including
through its proxies.
Iran must comply with its obligations under international law,
including international humanitarian law.
The exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and
commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must
also be respected.
Iran's unacceptable attacks against ships passing through the
Strait of Hormuz threaten maritime security and the safety of
seafarers.
The UK's position on Iran is clear: Iran must cease these attacks
and must not threaten the region or wider international security.
Our collective priority must be to secure long-term stability in
the region and the protection of civilian life.
That is what the UK government has been focusing on, and we will
continue to do so with our partners, including in this Council.
