United Nations Security Council Resolution 588 was adopted on October 8, 1986, following Iraq’s use of chemical weapons against the Iranian people and amid growing concern among Iraq’s supporters over Iran’s planned decisive operations (Karbala 4 and Karbala 5).

Following the issuance of Resolution 582, the Security Council released a statement on March 21, 1986, based on the report of medical experts sent by the United Nations. For the first time, it explicitly condemned Iraq by referring to its name for using chemical weapons against Iran. The statement also condemned the continuation of the conflict between the two sides.⁠[1] On 29 August 1986, the Council issued another statement expressing concern over the potential escalation of the conflict and the widening of attacks to commercial shipping and civilian areas. It reaffirmed its support for the Secretary-General’s ongoing efforts—particularly regarding the prohibition of chemical weapons—and welcomed the declarations by both Iran and Iraq that they would refrain from attacking residential areas.⁠[2]

At the request of the Arab League, which was alarmed by Iran’s announcement of the decisive upcoming operations (Karbala 4 and Karbala 5), the Security Council began discussions on the Iran-Iraq conflict on September 30, 1986. Ultimately, at its 2713th meeting, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 588 on October 8, 1986. In Resolutions 552 and 582, the Council did not refer back to its earlier resolutions or statements; this pattern continued in Resolution 588, with the difference that the new resolution called on Iran and Iraq to implement Resolution 582 immediately and fully. It also requested the Secretary-General to intensify his efforts, in consultation with the parties, to ensure the implementation of Resolution 582. Aside from these points, the resolution contained nothing substantially new.⁠[3]

According to Security Council Resolution 588:

“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 obligation 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 from acting 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 Member States 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:
I. Calls upon the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq to implement fully and without delay Resolution 582, adopted unanimously on February 24, 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 November 30, 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 principle of justice and international law”.⁠[4]
Resolution 588 was issued at a time when Iranian forces had managed to advance beyond Iraq’s borders. Their entry into Iraqi territory ultimately led the United Nations to move away from issuing neutral and ineffective resolutions and to place the resolution of the problem—triggered by Saddam’s aggression against Iran’s borders—on a more realistic footing.⁠[5]

Resolution 588 was the first Security Council resolution that sought, to some extent, to correct the Council’s previously unjust and irresponsible positions regarding Iraq’s imposed war against Iran. In earlier resolutions, the Council had tried to impose unfair, pro-aggressor positions on Iran, which Iran refused to accept. However, after this resolution—and following developments related to resolutions 588 and 598—the Council had to revise its approach to the war and to incorporate some of Iran’s demands into resolutions 588 and 598, showing greater realism about the conflict.⁠[6]

Analysis of the circumstances surrounding the resolution indicates that the UN’s more realistic stance was tied to Iran’s growing power in the war. This shift occurred when it became clear that Iran’s political and military leadership was determined to win, as reflected in concrete actions on the ground and the sense that the Islamic Republic was capable of changing the course of the conflict.⁠[7]

After receiving a new report from the Secretary-General on the latest positions of Iran and Iraq regarding resolutions 582 and 588, as well as his eight-point proposal for ending the war, the Security Council convened again. The meeting, held on September 22, 1986, resulted in a statement reiterating concerns about the grave situation between Iran and Iraq, expressing regret over violations of international humanitarian law, urging the parties to implement resolutions 582 and 588, affirming the Council’s commitment to a peaceful settlement, and supporting the Secretary-General’s continued mediation efforts.⁠[8] In response, Iran reiterated—just as it had regarding Resolution 588—that it would not accept the provisions of resolutions 582 and 588 as well as the September 22 statement that called for ending hostilities without recognizing the aggressor.⁠[9]