UNSC Resolutions on Iran-Iraq war

The following are UN Security Council Resolutions concerning the Iran-Iraq war from 1980–1988. UNSC Resolution 598 ended the war.

Resolution S/RES/479 (1980)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2244th meeting on 28 September 1980

The Security Council,

Having begun consideration of the item entitled, "The Situation between Iran and Iraq",

Mindful that all Member States have undertaken the Charter obligations to settle their international disputes by peaceful means and in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered,

Mindful as well that all Members are obliged to refrain in their international relations from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State,

Recalling that under Article 24 of the Charter the Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security,

Deeply concerned about the developing situation between Iran and Iraq,

1. Calls upon Iran and Iraq to refrain immediately from any further use of force and to settle their dispute by peaceful means and in conformity with principles of justice and international law;
2. Urges them to accept any appropriate offer of mediation or conciliation or to resort to regional agencies or arrangements or other peaceful means of their own choice that would facilitate the fulfilment of their Charter obligations;
3. Calls upon all other States to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any act which may lead to a further escalation and widening of the conflict;
4. Supports the efforts of the Secretary-General and the offer of his good offices for the resolution of this situation;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council within forty-eight hours.

Resolution S/RES/514 (1982)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2383rd meeting held on 12 July 1982

The Security Council,

Having considered again the question entitled "The situation between Iran and Iraq"

Deeply concerned about the prolongation of the conflict between the two countries, resulting in heavy losses of human lives and considerable material damage, and endangering peace and security,

Recalling the provisions of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations, and that the establishment of peace and security in the region requires strict adherence to these provisions,

Recalling that by virtue of Article 24 of the Charter the Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintenance of international peace and security,

Recalling its resolution 479 (1980), adopted unanimously on 28 September 1980, as well as the statement of its president of 5 November 1980 (S/14244),

Taking note of the efforts of mediation pursued notably by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and his representative, as well as by the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the Organization of the Islamic Conference,

1. Calls for a cease-fire and an immediate end to all military operations;
2. Calls further for a withdrawal of forces to internationally recognised boundaries;
3. Decides to dispatch a team of United Nations observers to verify, confirm and supervise the cease-fire and withdrawal, and requests the Secretary-General to submit to the Council a report on the arrangements required for that purpose;
4. Urges that the mediation efforts be continued in a co-ordinated manner through the Secretary-General with a view to achieving a comprehensive, just and honourable settlement acceptable to both sides of all the outstanding issues, on the basis of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of States;
5. Requests all other States to abstain from all actions which could contribute to the continuation of the conflict and to facilitate the implementation of the present resolution;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council within three months on the implementation of this resolution.

Resolution S/RES/522 (1982)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2399th meeting held on 4 October 1982

The Security Council,

Having considered again the question entitled "The situation between Iran and Iraq",

Deploring the prolongation and the escalation of the conflict between the two countries, resulting in heavy losses of human lives and considerable material damage, and endangering peace and security,

Reaffirming that the restoration of peace and security in the region requires all member States strictly to comply with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations,

Recalling its resolution 479 (1980), adopted unanimously on 28 September 1980, as well as the statement of the President of the Council of 5 November 1980 (S/14244),

Further recalling its resolution 514 (1982) adopted unanimously on 28 September 1980, as well as the statement of the President of the Council of 15 July 1982 (S/15296),

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General (S/15293) of 15 July 1982,

1. Urgently calls again for an immediate cease-fire and an end to all military operations;
2. Reaffirms its call for a withdrawal of forces to internationally recognized boundaries;
3. Welcomes the fact that one of the parties has already expressed its readiness to co-operate in the implementation of resolution 514 (1982) and calls upon the other to do likewise;
4. Affirms the necessity of implementing without further delay its decision to dispatch United Nations observers to verify, confirm and supervise the cease-fire and withdrawal;
5. Reaffirms the urgency of the continuation of the current mediation efforts;
6. Reaffirms its request to all other States to abstain from all actions which could contribute to the continuation of the conflict and to facilitate the implementation of the present resolution;
7. Further requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council on the implementation of this resolution within 72 hours.

Resolution S/RES/540 (1983)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2493rd meeting on 31 October 1983

The Security Council,

Having considered again the question entitled "The situation between Iran and Iraq",

Recalling its relevant resolutions and statements which, inter alia, call for a comprehensive cease-fire and an end to all military operations between the parties,

Recalling the report of the Secretary-General of 20 June 1983 (S/15834) on the mission appointed by him to inspect civilian areas in Iran and Iraq which have been subject to military attacks, and expressing its appreciation to the Secretary- General for presenting a factual, balanced and objective account,

Also noting with appreciation and encouragement the assistance and co-operation given to the Secretary-General's mission by the Governments of Iran and Iraq,

Deploring once again the conflict between the two countries, resulting in heavy losses of civilian lives and extensive damage caused to cities, property and economic infrastructures,

Affirming the desirability of an objective examination of the causes of the war,

1. Requests the Secretary-General to continue his mediation efforts with the parties concerned, with a view to achieving a comprehensive, just and honourable settlement acceptable to both sides;
2. Condemns all violations of international humanitarian law, in particular, the provisions of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 in all their aspects, and calls for the immediate cessation of all military operations against civilian targets, including city and residential areas;
3. Affirms the right of free navigation and commerce in international waters, calls on all States to respect this right and also calls upon the belligerents to cease immediately all hostilities in the region of the Gulf, including all sea-lanes, navigable waterways, harbour works, terminals, offshore installations and all ports with direct or indirect access to the sea, and to respect the integrity of the other littoral States;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to consult with the parties concerning ways to sustain and verify the cessation of hostilities, including the possible dispatch of United Nations observers, and to submit a report to the Council on the results of these consultations;
5. Calls upon both parties to refrain from any action that may endanger peace and security as well as marine life in the region of the Gulf;
6. Calls once more upon all other States to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any act which may lead to a further escalation and widening of the conflict and, thus, to facilitate the implementation of the present resolution;
7. Requests the Secretary-General to consult with the parties regarding immediate and effective implementation of this resolution.

Resolution S/RES/582 (1986)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2666th meeting on 24 February 1986

The Security Council,

Having considered the question entitled "The situation between Iran and Iraq",

Recalling that the Security Council has been seized with the question of the situation between Iran and Iraq for almost six years and that decisions have been taken thereon,

Deeply concerned about the prolongation of the conflict between the two countries resulting in heavy losses of human lives and considerable material damage and endangering peace and security,

Recalling the provisions of the Charter and in particular the obligation of all members to settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered,

Noting that both Iran and Iraq are parties to the Protocol for the prohibition of the use in war of axphyxiating, poisonous or other gases, and of bacteriological methods of warfare done at Geneva on 17 June 1925,

Emphasizing the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force,

Taking note of the efforts of mediation pursued by the Secretary-General,

1. Deplores the initial acts which gave rise to the conflict between Iran and Iraq and deplores the continuation of the conflict;
2. Also deplores the escalation of the conflict, especially territorial incursions, the bombing of purely civilian centres, attacks on neutral shipping or civilian aircraft, the violation of international humanitarian law and other laws of armed conflict and, in particular, the use of chemical weapons contrary to obligations under the 1925 Geneva Protocol;
3. Calls upon Iran and Iraq to observe an immediate cease-fire, a cessation of all hostilities on land, at sea and in the air and withdrawal of all forces to the internationally recognized boundaries without delay;
4. Urges that a comprehensive exchange of prisoners-of-war be completed within a short period after the cessation of hostilities in co-operation with the International Committee of the Red Cross;
5. Calls upon both parties to submit immediately all aspects of the conflict to mediation or to any other means of peaceful settlement of disputes;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to continue his ongoing efforts, to assist the two parties to give effect to this resolution and to keep the Council informed;
7. Calls upon all other States to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any act which may lead to a further escalation and widening of the conflict and, thus, to facilitate the implementation of the present resolution;
8. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

Resolution S/RES/588 (1986)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2713th meeting on 8 October 1986

The Security Council,

Having considered the question entitled "The situation between Iran and Iraq",

Noting that the Council has been seized with this question for over six years and that decisions have been taken thereon,

Deeply alarmed about the prolongation and intensification of the conflict resulting in heavy losses of human lives and considerable material damage and endangering international peace and security,

Noting the obligations of Member States to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations,

Recalling the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and in particular the obligation of all Members to settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered,

Recalling further that under the Charter, Member States have conferred on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and to this end have agreed to accept the role of the Security Council in the settlement of disputes,

Commending the efforts of the Secretary-General in the search for a peaceful settlement of the conflict,

1. Calls upon Iran and Iraq to implement fully and without delay resolution 582 (1986) adopted unanimously on 24 February 1986;
2. Requests the Secretary-General to intensify his efforts with the parties to give effect to the above-mentioned resolution and to report to the Council no later than 30 November 1986;
3. Decides to meet again to consider the report of the Secretary-General and the conditions for the establishment of a durable peace between the two countries in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of justice and international law.

Resolution S/RES/598 (1987)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2750th meeting on 20 July 1987

The Security Council,

Reaffirming its resolution 582 (1986)

Deeply concerned that, despite its calls for a cease-fire, the conflict between Iran and Iraq continues unabated, with further heavy loss of human life and material destruction,

Deploring the initiation and continuation of the conflict,

Deploring also the bombing of purely civilian population centers, attacks on neutral shipping or civilian aircraft, the violation of international humanitarian law and other laws of armed conflict, and, in particular, the use of chemical weapons contrary to obligations under the 1925 Geneva Protocol,

Deeply concerned that further escalation and widening of the conflict may take place,

Determined to bring to an end all military actions between Iran and Iraq,

Convinced that a comprehensive, just, honourable and durable settlement should be achieved between Iran and Iraq,

Recalling the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and in particular the obligation of all member states to settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered,

Determining that there exists a breach of the peace as regards the conflict between Iran and Iraq,

Acting under Articles 39 and 40 of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Demands that, as a first step towards a negotiated settlement, Iran and Iraq observe an immediate cease-fire, discontinue all military actions on land, at sea and in the air, and withdraw all forces to the internationally recognized boundaries without delay;
2. Requests the Secretary-General to dispatch a team of United Nations Observers to verify, confirm and supervise the cease-fire and withdrawal and further requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary arrangements in consultation with the Parties and to submit a report thereon to the Security Council;
3. Urges that prisoners of war be released and repatriated without delay after the cessation of active hostilities in accordance with the Third Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949;
4. Calls upon Iran and Iraq to cooperate with the Secretary- General in implementing this resolution and in mediation efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and honourable settlement, acceptable to both sides, of all outstanding issues in accordance with the principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations;
5. Calls upon all other States to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any act which may lead to further escalation and widening of the conflict and thus to facilitate the implementation of the present resolution;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to explore, in consultation with Iran and Iraq, the question of entrusting an impartial body with inquiring into responsibility for the conflict and to report to the Security Council as soon as possible;
7. Recognizes the magnitude of the damage inflicted during the conflict and the need for reconstruction efforts, with appropriate international assistance, once the conflict is ended and, in this regard, requests the Secretary-General to assign a team of experts to study the question of reconstruction and to report to the Security Council;
8. Further requests the Secretary-General to examine in consultation with Iran and Iraq and with other states of the region measures to enhance the security and stability of the region;
9. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Security Council informed on the implementation of this resolution;
10. Decides to meet again as necessary to consider further steps to insure compliance with this resolution.

Resolution S/RES/612 (1988)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2812th meeting on 9 May 1988

The Security Council,

Having considered the report of 25 April 1988 (S/19823) of the Mission dispatched by the Secretary-General to investigate allegations of the use of chemical weapons in the conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq,

Dismayed by the Mission's conclusions that chemical weapons continue to be used in the conflict and that their use has been on an even more intensive scale than before,

1. Affirms the urgent necessity of strict observance of the Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare signed at Geneva on 17 June 1925;
2. Condemns vigorously the continued use of chemical weapons in the conflict between Iran and Iraq contrary to the obligations under the Geneva Protocol;
3. Expects both sides to refrain from the future use of chemical weapons in accordance with their obligations under the Geneva Protocol;
4. Calls upon all States to continue to apply or to establish strict control of the export to the parties to the conflict of chemical products serving for the production of chemical weapons;
5. Decides to remain seized of the matter and expresses its determination to review the implementation of this resolution.

Resolution S/RES/619 (1988)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2824th meeting on 9 August 1988

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolution 598 (1987),

1. Approves the report of the Secretary-General contained in document S/20093 on the implementation of operative paragraph 2 of resolutioon 598 (1987);
2. Decides to set up immediately, under its authority, a United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) and requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps to this effect in accordance with his above-mentioned report;
3. Further decides that UNIIMOG shall be established for a period of six months, unless the Council declares otherwise;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Security Council fully informed of further developments.

Resolution S/RES/620 (1988)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2825th meeting on 26 August 1988

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolution 612 (1988),

Having considered the reports of 20 and 25 July and 19 August 1988 (S/20060 and Add.1, S/20063 and Add.1, S/20134) of the missions dispatched by the Secretary-General to investigate allegations of the use of chemical weapons in the conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq,

Deeply dismayed by the missions' conclusions that there had been continued use of chemical weapons in the conflict between Iran and Iraq and that such use against Iranians had become more intense and frequent,

Profoundly concerned by the danger of possible use of chemical weapons in the future,

Bearing in mind the current negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament on the complete and effective prohibition of the development, production and stockpiling of chemical weapons and on their destruction,

Determined to intensify its efforts to end all use of chemical weapons in violation of international obligations now and in the future,

1. Condemns resolutely the use of chemical weapons in the conflict between Iran and Iraq, in violation of obligations under the Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare, signed at Geneva on 17 June 1925, and in defiance of its resolution 612 (1988);
2. Encourages the Secretary-General to carry out promptly investigations, in response to allegations brought to his attention by any Member State concerning the possible use of chemical and bacteriological (biological) or toxin weapons that may constitute a violation of the 1925 Geneva Protocol or other relevant rules of customary international law, in order to ascertain the facts of the matter, and to report the results;

Resolution S/RES/631 (1989)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2844th meeting on 8 February 1989

The Security Council,

"Recalling its resolutions 598 (1987) and 619 (1988),

"Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) of 2 February 1989 (S/20442), and taking note of the observations expressed therein,

"Decides:

(a) To call upon the parties concerned to implement immediately Security Council resolution 598 (1987);

(b) To renew the mandate of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) for a period of seven months and twenty-two days, that is, until 30 September 1989;

(c) To request the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on the developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement Security Council resolution 598 (1987)."

Resolution S/RES/642 (1989)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2885th meeting, on 29 September 1989

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 598 (1987) of 20 July 1987, 619 (1988) of 9 August 1988 and 631 (1989) of 8 February 1989,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group of 22 September 1989 (S/20862), and taking note of the observations expressed therein,

Decides:

(a) To call once again upon the parties concerned to implement immediately Security Council resolution 598 (1987);

(b) To extend the mandate of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group for a further period of six months, that is, until 31 March 1990;

(c) To request the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on the developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement Security Council resolution 598 (1987).

Resolution S/RES/651 (1990)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2916th meeting, on 29 March 1990

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 598 (1987) of 20 July 1987, 619 (1988) of 9 August 1988, 631 (1989) of 8 February 1989 and 642 (1989) of 29 September 1989,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group of 22 March 1990 (S/21200), and taking note of the observations expressed therein,

Decides:

(a) To call once again upon the parties concerned to implement immediately Security Council resolution 598 (1987):

(b) To extend the mandate of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group for a further period of six months, that is, until 30 September 1990;

(c) To request the Secretary-General to submit, at the end of this period, a report on the developments in the situation and the measures taken to implement Security Council resolution 598 (1987).

Resolution S/RES/671 (1990)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2944th meeting on 27 September 1990

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 598 (1987) of 20 July 1987, 619 (1988) of 9 August (1988), 631 (1989) of 8 February 1989, 642 (1989) of 29 September 1989 and 651 (1990) of 29 March 1990,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group of 21 September 1990 (S/21803), and taking note of the observations expressed therein,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group for a further period of two months, that is until 30 November 1990, as recommended by the Secretary-General;
2. Requests the Secretary-General to submit, during November, a report on his further consultations with the parties about the future of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group, together with his recommendations on this matter.

Resolution S/RES/676 (1990)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2961st meeting on 28 November 1990

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 598 (1987) of 20 July 1987, 619 (1988) of 9 August 1988, 631 (1989) of 8 February 1989, 642 (1989) of 29 September 1989, 651 (1990) of 29 March 1990 and 671 (1990) of 27 September 1990,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group of 23 November 1990 and taking note of the observations expressed therein,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group for a further period of two months, that is, until 31 January 1991, as recommended by the Secretary-General;
2. Requests the Secretary-General to submit, during January 1991, a report on his further consultations with the parties about the future of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group, together with his recommendations on this matter.

Resolution S/RES/685 (1991)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 2976th meeting on 31 January 1991

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 598 (1987) of 20 July 1987, 619 (1988) of 9 August 1988, 631 (1989) of 8 February 1989, 642 (1989) of 29 September 1989, 651 (1990) of 29 March 1990, 671 (1990) of 27 September 1990 and 676 (1990) of 28 November 1990,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group of 28 January 1991 (document S/22148), and taking note of the observations expressed therein,

1. Decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group for a further period of one month, that is, until 28 February 1991, as recommended by the Secretary-General;
2. Requests the Secretary-General to submit, during February 1991, a report on his further consultations with the parties about the future of the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group, together with his recommendations on this matter.