Persian Gulf countries have accused Iran of launching more than 7,000 missiles and drones against their territories since the conflict began in February, warning that the attacks have threatened regional stability and maritime security.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday, Gulf states also raised concerns over growing disruptions to commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf. A senior UN official warned that maritime security incidents were being reported almost daily.
The meeting, requested by Bahrain, focused on escalating regional tensions and threats to maritime navigation. Representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), UN officials and the United States participated in the discussions.
Addressing the council on behalf of the GCC, Bahrain’s UN Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei said the safety and security of civilians should never be used as a bargaining tool.
“The security of civilians cannot constitute a bargaining chip or a tool for extortion,” he said.
Alrowaiei urged the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemned Iran’s attacks on neighboring countries and threats to international maritime navigation. He also called for firm guarantees to prevent further attacks.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said Iranian strikes since February 28 had targeted airports, seaports, oil and gas facilities, power stations, desalination plants and residential areas.
He described the attacks as violations of international law that threatened international peace and security.
Alrowaiei further said approximately 1,600 vessels had been disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving more than 23,000 seafarers stranded. He stressed that Persian Gulf countries must be included in regional security negotiations.
UN Warns of Daily Maritime Security Incidents
UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council that maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf were continuing to occur on a daily basis.
“Every day brings new reports of maritime incidents,” Khiari said.
He noted that commercial shipping activity remained below prewar levels, despite reports indicating that regional energy exports had largely recovered.
“This should not be mistaken for a return to normality,” he warned.
The remarks highlighted continuing concerns over the safety of international shipping routes and the wider economic consequences of the conflict.
US Accuses Iran of Threatening Regional Security
US Ambassador Jennifer Locetta also accused Iran of undermining regional security and ignoring demands made by the UN Security Council.
“The regime attacks its neighbors, fires on commercial ships, arms terrorist proxies, and defies this Council at every turn,” she said.
Locetta also referred to attacks claimed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement against Saudi airports and energy infrastructure. She criticized the group’s restrictions on commercial shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, another strategically important international maritime route.
According to figures from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), shipping transits through the Strait of Hormuz remain approximately 65 percent below prewar levels. October recorded the highest number of maritime security incidents since the conflict began.
UN Resolution and Ceasefire Efforts
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2817 in March, condemning Iran’s attacks on neighboring countries and threats to maritime navigation. China and Russia abstained from the vote.
Meanwhile, a 60-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan in June, expired in August without producing a lasting peace agreement.
The latest Security Council discussions reflect continuing international concerns over regional security, disruptions to global trade and the safety of vital maritime routes in the Persian Gulf.
