Escalation of hostilities in the Middle East

The Brazilian government expresses deep concern over the escalation of hostilities in the Gulf region, which poses a serious threat to international peace and security, with potentially wide-ranging humanitarian and economic impacts.

In calling for the cessation of offensive military actions, Brazil urges all parties to respect International Law and condemns any measures that violate the sovereignty of third States or that may further escalate the conflict, such as retaliatory actions and attacks against civilian areas. Recalling that the right of self-defense, as provided for in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, is an exceptional measure subject to proportionality and a direct link to an armed attack, Brazil expresses its solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, and Jordan - which were the targets of retaliatory attacks by Iran on February 28.

While lamenting the loss of civilian lives, Brazil also expresses its solidarity with the families of the victims. It further emphasizes the obligation of States to ensure the protection of civilians, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.

Brazil reaffirms that dialogue and diplomatic negotiation constitute the only viable path toward overcoming differences and building a lasting solution, with the United Nations playing a central role in conflict prevention and resolution, in accordance with the Charter of San Francisco.