The Arab League demands that Iran stop supporting militias
On behalf of His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, headed the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the 165th regular session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level, which was held via video conference. This important meeting resulted in a firm declaration regarding the Iranian aggression against the security and sovereignty of several Arab states. The Council reiterated its strong condemnation of these ongoing interventions targeting infrastructure and safe residential areas in brotherly Arab countries.
The historical context of interventions in the Arab region
Over the past years, the Middle East has witnessed escalating tensions as a result of expansionist policies and persistent interference in the internal affairs of Arab states. This interference has taken many forms, most notably the support and formation of armed militias outside the framework of official state institutions in several Arab countries. This approach has led to regional instability and threatens international peace and security. In this context, Arab states have consistently stood united to protect their national security, emphasizing the need to respect the principles of good neighborliness and international law, which prohibits any infringement upon the sovereignty of independent states and the resources of their people.
Details of the Arab League's decisions to protect sovereignty
During the session, the League of Arab States the right of targeted states to defend themselves and their territories, based on Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. The Council expressed its full support for all efforts undertaken by Arab states to protect their national security, stressing that these brutal attacks cannot be justified or condoned under any pretext. Furthermore, the Council urged Iran to swiftly implement UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which demands an immediate cessation of hostilities. It also strongly condemned any actions aimed at closing the Strait of Hormuz or disrupting international navigation, warning against any threat to freedom of navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and international waters, given the direct danger this poses to global trade and energy supplies.
Regional and international repercussions and demands for fair compensation
This unified Arab stance carries significant regional and international weight, sending a clear and firm message rejecting any attempts to undermine the region's security. In a decisive legal and humanitarian move, the Council demanded full, effective, and immediate compensation for all victims of the damages and losses they suffered as a result of these attacks. The Council also welcomed the adoption of the UN Human Rights Council resolution on the human rights implications of Iran's unjustified attacks against several Arab states.
In a related context, the Council announced its categorical rejection of the continued funding, arming, and deployment of affiliated militias in several Arab countries. At the same time, it welcomed the Lebanese government's decision to restrict weapons to the legitimate state alone, which will enhance the stability of Lebanon and its regional environment. This productive meeting was attended by a select group of diplomats, including the Undersecretary for Multilateral International Affairs, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, and the Director of the Arab League Department, Imad Elias, reflecting the ongoing coordination to ensure the security and stability of the region.
