Security Council Resolution 612 condemns continued chemical weapons use

Iran reported alleged Iraqi chemical weapons use on 17 and 18 April. The event dates the formal complaint on 19 April, keeping it distinct from the reported attack dates.

Iran transmitted a chart of alleged chemical attacks since the beginning of the war. The compilation organized Tehran’s evidence and accusations for consideration by the United Nations.

A UN mission reported that chemical weapon attacks had continued and increased in intensity. Iran had sought investigations after repeated battlefield and civilian exposures. The report made the scale...

Saudi Arabia announced severing diplomatic ties with Iran. The rupture followed the Mecca crisis and years of hostility over Saudi support for Iraq.

Iran sent a further letter concerning chemical weapons use to the United Nations. The submission followed the Secretary-General’s chemical weapons report circulated on 25 April.

The UN circulated an annex containing clinical data to the Secretary-General’s chemical weapons report S/19823. The additional documentation gave the investigation a more detailed medical record.

Iran held the second round of its 1988 parliamentary elections. The new Majlis emerged as the war entered its final months and Iran confronted renewed Iraqi military advances.

Iraqi jets struck tankers anchored at Iran’s Larak oil terminal, including the Seawise Giant. Damage to export shipping added economic pressure as the war approached its end.

Iran expressed displeasure that Resolution 612 did not identify Iraq’s responsibility for chemical weapons use. The letter articulated Tehran’s frustration with the Security Council’s response.

Iran reported alleged Iraqi chemical weapons use on 17 and 18 May. The 19 May submission recorded Tehran’s continuing complaints after the Council’s adoption of Resolution 612.