New york: Bahrain has formally submitted a letter to the United Nations, accusing Iran of violating international law through a drone attack on April 5 that targeted the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) facilities. The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations addressed identical letters to both the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council, explaining the details of the attack and holding Iran fully responsible for its actions.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the letters are the thirteenth in a series of communications from Bahrain highlighting Iran's aggressive actions against the Kingdom. The letters emphasize that the attack on GPIC facilities is a clear violation of Bahrain's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as international law. They cite Security Council Resolution 2817, which calls for an immediate halt to all attacks by Iran, and highlight breaches of international humanitarian law as outlined in the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
The letters reveal that the drone targeted an ammonia tank at the GPIC facility. While material damage was contained, the letters warn of the potential humanitarian and environmental disaster that could have ensued without swift intervention. The proactive measures taken by the company included the pre-emptive emptying of the ammonia tank, which prevented a chemical leak that could have endangered nearby residents.
Bahrain's Ministry of Interior announced on May 14 that all necessary repairs and safety measures had been completed, allowing residents evacuated from a two-kilometre radius to return home. The letters underscore Bahrain's commitment to public safety and its efforts to ensure environmental security.
The letters further argue that Iran bears full international responsibility for the attack, including compensating Bahrain for all damages and losses. This includes material damage to the company's facilities, economic losses, and the broader economic impact on the Kingdom. The attack on GPIC is part of a broader pattern of Iranian aggression, with previous attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and industrial facilities since February 28.
Bahrain reaffirms its right to pursue legal avenues, including self-defence and seeking compensation under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The Kingdom pledges to continue documenting damages from these attacks and to keep the United Nations informed of any developments.