Cairo, Egypt – Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit affirmed that Arab states categorically reject becoming hostages or arenas for Iranian score-settling.
He stressed that any notions Tehran may have regarding control over the Arabian Gulf
and the Strait of Hormuz are legally invalid and lack any legitimate basis.
This came during his address at the emergency ministerial meeting of the Arab League Council,
held via videoconference under the chairmanship of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The meeting was convened to discuss the serious repercussions of Iran’s illegal attacks against several Arab states.
Aboul Gheit reiterated that the sovereignty of international waterways is governed by international conventions
and emphasized that Iran has no right to violate these conventions or impose discriminatory rules upon them.
Freedom of international navigation
Aboul Gheit explained that freedom of navigation in international waterways,
particularly the Strait of Hormuz, is the cornerstone of the Law of the Sea.
This principle is guaranteed to all states under international law.
He pointed out that Iran’s attempts to seize control of this vital artery are illegitimate and lack any established legal or customary basis.
The Secretary-General called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities
and hold the aggressor fully accountable under the law for its actions, which aim to restrict global trade and impose unilateral rules.
He emphasized that tampering with the security of waterways poses a direct threat to global economic stability.
Violation of Security Council resolutions
The Secretary-General noted that Iran continues to disregard Security Council Resolution 2817
by refusing to acknowledge that its attacks on Gulf states, Jordan,
and Iraq constitute a grave violation of international law and a flagrant breach of the principles of good neighborliness.
Furthermore, Aboul Gheit stressed the need for Tehran’s immediate compliance with international resolutions.
He also demanded that Iran bear full responsibility for the material and human losses resulting from these attacks.
In addition, he affirmed that international law obligates the aggressor to provide reparations
and fair compensation to the affected states. He stated that this is a direct consequence of such irresponsible actions.
Arab unity of destiny
In closing, Aboul Gheit emphasized that the Arab League maintains a firm stance
that considers an attack on any Arab state as an attack on the entire Arab system.
He also affirmed the League’s unwavering solidarity with the countries that have been attacked.
He commended the resilience of Arab leaders and peoples in the face of these attacks,
which disregarded all “ethics of war,” targeting civilian infrastructure and civilians indiscriminately.
He stressed that this systematic intimidation will not weaken the resolve of Arab states to defend
their sovereignty and the security of their citizens by all legitimate means.
