• Security Council adopts Bahrain-led motion slamming Iran attacks on GCC nations
• Pakistan says it is ‘not immune from attacks’
• Russian draft on Middle East escalation fails to secure enough votes, faces US veto

WASHINGTON: The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a Bahrain-led resolution condemning Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries, while a separate Russian draft resolution on the military escalation in the Middle East failed to secure enough votes for adoption.

The Bahrain-led text, drafted on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), set a record with 135 co-sponsors (including Pakistan), surpassing the previous high of 134 for Resolution 2177 (2014) on Ebola. It was adopted with 13 votes in favour, while China and Russia abstained.

The Russian draft received four votes in favour — from Russia, China, Som­alia and Pakistan — while the United States and Latvia voted against it. Nine members abstained, including the Uni­ted Kingdom, France, Bahrain, Colo­mbia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Greece, Liberia and Panama.

Pakistan supported both resolutions. It backed the GCC-sponsored text condemning attacks on Gulf states, stressing that it is “not immune from these attacks”, while it also voted in favour of the Russian draft addressing the war in Iran.

The adopted text “condemns in the strongest terms the egregious attacks” carried out by Iran against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan, emphasising that “such acts constitute a breach of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security”.

It demands the immediate cessation of all attacks by Iran against these countries and underscores the right of individual and collective self-defence as recognised under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

The resolution deplores the deliberate targeting of civilians, critical infrastructure and commercial vessels, including in and around the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the adverse impact on maritime security, international trade, energy supply and the global economy.

The Security Council also acknowledged the mediation efforts of GCC countries and other regional actors aimed at facilitating dialogue with Iran and resolving disputes peacefully, underscoring the need to prevent further escalation.

In adopting the resolution, the council reaffirmed its commitment to promoting stability and peace in the Middle East, while reiterating support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Gulf states and Jordan.

Explaining the vote, Pakistan said the initiation of unwarranted attacks on Iran on February 28th, which Pakistan also condemned, “has seriously jeopardised international peace and security, given rise to grave consequences and unnecessarily embroiled the entire region,” said Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.

At least two Pakistani nationals lost their lives in attacks on the United Arab Emirates, and “millions of other Pakistanis that reside in the Gulf countries remain in harm’s way.” Fuel supplies and essential aviation links have been disrupted.

“We call for a swift return to dialogue and diplomacy to pursue a peaceful resolution,” he added.

French Representative Jerome Bonnafont claimed that Tehran has vastly expanded the war in recent days, adding: “Iran bears a heavy responsibility for the current escalation.”

France, he said, has long been concerned by Iran’s nuclear threats and its support for regional proxies.

Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei of Bahrain, the original mover of the resolution, noted that 135 member states have co-sponsored the text put forward by his delegation on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Emphasising that the Gulf region is a pillar of global security, trade and economic stability, he said protecting the Middle East is therefore in the entire world’s interest.

“It is right that this council wholeheartedly condemns Iran’s attacks, which pose a serious threat and risk further regional conflagration,” said British Representative James Kariuki, noting his country’s support for regional defensive operations.

Earlier in the Security Council, Lebanon said it had been drawn into the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that it “did not choose”.

Lebanese Ambassador Ahmad Arafa said that nearly one million people were displaced amid airstrikes and evacuation warnings. He emphasised that the government had rejected Hezbollah’s March 2 rocket attack on Israel, banned the group’s military activities and sought to reassert state authority.

Beirut expressed readiness to negotiate a ceasefire under international auspices and called on the international community to support efforts to restore stability.

Pakistan voiced strong support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and condemned Israel’s military actions in southern Lebanon as illegal, urging an immediate halt to hostilities, full Israeli withdrawal and respect for relevant UNSC resolutions.

Ambassador Usman Jadoon stressed that “dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over confrontation to prevent further regional destabilisation”.

The United States recognised Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah and Iran, while China and Russia called for an immediate ceasefire.

Mr Bonnafont of France highlighted the heavy toll on civilians and urged both sides to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and protect civilians.

UN officials warned of rising humanitarian needs, disruptions to regional shipping and air travel and growing concerns over global energy supplies.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2026