Mr President,
We too condemn reckless Iranian missile and drone attacks. Iran must cease its assaults on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours so that a path towards stability and security in the region can be forged.
We also condemn in the strongest terms recent Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces. Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The UK stands alongside our allies in the Gulf affected by this conflict and will continue to act in their defence. Iran’s actions are endangering civilians, destabilising the region, and threatening the global economy - negatively impacting the ability of individuals in the region to enjoy their human rights.
Iran’s human rights record is deplorable. The security forces’ response to protests constituted the deadliest crackdown in the Islamic Republic’s history, and this conflict has further exacerbated the already appalling conditions endured by the Iranian people under the regime.
De-escalation is the only way forward for the region and we once again call on Iran to cease its attacks immediately.