LIVE: UNHRC holds emergency debate on Iran

Iranian strikes target six Gulf nations and Jordan

Since February 28, 2026, Iran has launched large-scale drone and missile attacks against military bases, residential areas, and energy facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan, causing dozens of deaths and widespread infrastructure damage including airports and ports.

Massive civilian casualties across multiple territories

According to government figures, approximately 1,400 civilians have been killed and over 20,000 injured in Iran, while Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon including 118 children and 40 medical workers, with residential buildings and hospitals targeted across the region.

Internal repression compounds external military conflict

Inside Iran, civilians face simultaneous state repression including arbitrary arrests, executions, intimidation, censorship, and a three-week internet shutdown while seeking shelter from air strikes across all 31 provinces.

Strait of Hormuz closure threatens worldwide food security

The disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is blocking vital supplies of food, medicine, and fertilizers, with the World Food Program warning that nearly 45 million additional people could fall into acute hunger, primarily affecting lower-income countries in South Asia.

Billions in economic losses trigger energy crises

UN ESCWA estimates $63 billion in economic losses across the Arab region already, with Bangladesh closing universities and implementing fuel rationing while the Philippines has declared a national energy emergency due to supply chain disruptions.

Surging insurance costs threaten global remittances

Insurance premiums and marine fuel costs are surging globally according to analysis by Antar, while developing economies face reduced remittance flows from migrant workers and price shocks that could create serious healthcare crises.

Potential war crimes and indiscriminate attacks condemned

Both the High Commissioner and Special Procedures condemned attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure as potential war crimes, emphasizing that strikes on residential areas, hospitals, schools, and cultural sites violate principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution under international humanitarian law.

Conflicting narratives of aggression versus self-defense

While GCC states and Jordan requested the debate to condemn Iranian military aggression, Iran's representative asserted the attacks were defensive measures against a coordinated US-Israeli invasion originating from regional bases, claiming over 45,000 houses demolished and 53 hospitals targeted since February 28.

Unified calls for de-escalation and accountability

UN human rights mechanisms unanimously demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities, independent investigations into violations, and renewed diplomatic efforts, stressing that compliance with international law is mandatory regardless of any party's unlawful conduct.