United Nations Security Council Resolution 457

by the United Nations

Adopted unanimously by the Security Council at its 2178th meeting, on 4 December 1979

The Security Council,

Having considered the letter from the Secretary-General dated 25 November 1979, ([1])

Deeply concerned at the dangerous level of tension between Iran and the United States of America, which could have grave consequences for international peace and security,

Recalling the appeal made by the President of the Security Council on 9 November 1979, which was reiterated on 27 November 1979 (S/13652), ([2])

Taking note of the letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran dated 13 November 1979 ([3]) relative to the grievances of Iran,

Mindful of the obligation of States to settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered,

Conscious of the responsibility of 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,

Reaffirming the solemn obligation of all States parties to both the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 ([4]) and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963 ([5]) to respect the inviolability of diplomatic personnel and the premises of their missions.

1. Urgently calls upon the Government of Iran to release immediately the personnel of the Embassy of the United States of America being held at Teheran, to provide them with protection and to allow them to leave the country;

2. Further calls upon the Governments of Iran and the United States of America to take steps to resolve peacefully the remaining issues between them to their mutual satisfaction in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations;

3. Urges the Governments of Iran and of the United States of America to exercise the utmost restraint in the prevailing situation;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to lend his good offices for the immediate implementation of the present resolution and to take all appropriate measures to this end;

5. Decides that the Council will remain actively seized of the matter and requests the Secretary-General to report urgently to it on developments regarding his efforts.

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[1] Ibid., document S/13646.
[2] Ibid., Thirty-fourth Year, 2172nd meeting.
[3] Ibid., Supplement for October, November and December 1979, document S/13626.
[4] United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 500, p. 95.
[5] Official Records of the United Nations Conference on Consular Relations (United Nations publication, Sales No. 64.X.1), p. 173.