Gulf states request urgent debate at UN Human Rights Council, documents show
Smoke rises in the Fujairah oil industry zone, caused by debris after interception of a drone by air defenses, according to the Fujairah media office, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, March 14, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS
Gulf states have requested an urgent debate at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva over Iran's strikes on civilians and energy infrastructure across the Middle East, documents show.
A diplomatic note sent by Gulf states, seen by Reuters, describes the ballistic missile and drone strikes on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as a "situation of serious concern for international peace and security," with severe human rights implications.
The expanding US-Israeli war on Iran, which has entered its third week, sparked large-scale Iranian retaliation in the form of drone and missile strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure in Gulf countries.
Read More: Iran seeks compensation from UAE over US strikes on its territory
Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy facilities across the region has spiked energy prices and fuelled fears of a rise in inflation globally.
The "unprovoked attacks" on Gulf countries - despite their assurances to Tehran that their territories won't host anti-Iran launches - demand immediate attention, the diplomatic note said.
The draft resolution proposed by the Gulf states strongly condemns and calls for Iran to immediately stop strikes on civilian infrastructure and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and also seeks reparations for civilian, infrastructure and environmental damage.
The Council has received the request and is considering a date to hold the debate, stated a letter from its president, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro.
On Feb 28, 2025, US and Israel preemptively attack on Iran. Iran fired drones and missiles on Isreal and US military basis and installations in UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.
Tehran also disrupted oil tankers at the Strait of Hormuz, an energy artery responsible for 20 per cent oil and gas flow from Gulf to other parts of the world.
The closure of Hormuz causing a near standstill in commercial shipping and a surge in energy prices worldwide. It has also signalled plans to impose tolls or restrictions on vessels transiting the strait, leveraging its strategic position amid the conflict. The disruption has heightened fears of a prolonged energy shock and broader regional instability, with global powers weighing military and diplomatic options to restore access to the key waterway.