We strongly condemn Iranian strikes across the region: UK statement at the UN Security Council
UK strongly condemned Iranian strikes across the region, including attacks on a Dubai hotel, Kuwait’s civilian airport, and civilian targets in Bahrain, and stated that Britain played no role in strikes against Iran. It condemned the Iranian regime for murdering thousands of its own people for exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms, and for destabilising the region through its support to proxies, urging Iran to refrain from further strikes while pursuing a diplomatic, negotiated solution to the nuclear issue. Together with its French and German partners, the UK stressed that only a diplomatic path can address these threats and that a swift resolution is needed to ensure regional security and stability. The UK also noted that its forces are active in coordinated regional defensive operations to protect civilians and regional partners in line with international law.
Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on The Middle East.
Colleagues, this is a fragile moment for the Middle East.
The United Kingdom played no role in the strikes against Iran.
But we are under no illusion about the nature of the Iranian regime.
The Iranian regime has murdered thousands of its own people simply for exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms.
Iran has repeatedly ignored calls to find a durable and acceptable solution to the nuclear issue, while continuing to destabilise the region through their support to proxies and partners.
We strongly condemn Iranian strikes across the region, including the attacks on a hotel in Dubai, the attack on Kuwait’s civilian airport, and attacks on civilian targets in Bahrain.
We extend our support and solidarity to all our partners – many of which are not parties to the conflict.
Regional stability remains a priority.
As my Prime Minister stated, UK forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people and regional partners, as the United Kingdom has done before, and in line with international law.
Reports of strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure are deeply alarming. The protection of civilians and full respect for international law is critical.
Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
That is why we, alongside our French and German partners, have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution.
We have always been clear that only a diplomatic solution can fully and sustainably address these threats.
We want to see the swiftest possible resolution that ensures security and stability for the region.
Iran must refrain from further strikes, and its appalling behaviour, to allow a path back to diplomacy.
We will continue to work with our partners to this end – in support of peace and security, and the protection of civilian life across the region.
