Abstract
Resolution 461 (1979) of 31 December 1979
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolution 457 (1979) of 4 December 1979,
Recalling also the appeal made by the President of the Security Council on 9 November 1979, which was reiterated
on 27 November 1979 (S/13652),
Gravely concerned at the increasing tension between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America
caused by the seizure and prolonged detention of persons of United States nationality who are being held as
hostages… [read more] in Iran in violation of international law, and which could have grave consequences for international
peace and security,
Taking note of the letters from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran dated 13 November
1979 and 1 December 1979 relating to the grievances and statements of his Government on the situation,
Recalling also the letter from the Secretary-General dated 25 November 1979 stating that, in his opinion, the
present crisis between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America poses a serious threat to
international peace and security,
Taking into account the Order of the International Court of Justice of 15 December 1979 calling on the Government
of the Islamic Republic of Iran to ensure the immediate release, without any exception, of all persons of United
States nationality who are being held as hostages in Iran and also calling on the Government of the United States
of America and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to ensure that no action will be taken by them which
will aggravate the tension between the two countries,
Further taking into account the report of the Secretary-General of 22 December 1979 on developments in the
situation,
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.
1. Reaffirms its resolution 457 (1979) in all its aspects;
2. Deplores the continued detention of the hostages contrary to its resolution 457 (1979) and the Order of the
International Court of Justice of 15 December 1979;
3. Urgently calls once again on the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to release immediately all persons
of United States nationality being held as hostages in Iran, to provide them with protection and to allow them to
leave the country;
4. Reiterates its request to the Secretary-General to lend his good offices and to intensify his efforts with a
view to assisting the Security Council in achieving the objectives called for in the present resolution, and in
this connexion takes note of his readiness to go personally to Iran;
5. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on his good offices efforts before the Council
meets again;
6. Decides to meet on 7 January 1980 in order to review the situation and, in the event of non-compliance with the
present resolution, to adopt effective measures under Articles 39 and 41 of the Charter of the United Nations.
Adopted at the 2184th meeting by 11 votes to none, with 4 abstentions (Bangladesh, Czechoslovakia, Kuwait, Union
of Soviet Socialist Republics). [^]