The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 457 (1979) of 4 December 1979,

Recalling also the appeal made by the President of the Security Council, on
9 November 1979 (S/13616), which was reiterated on 27 November 1979 (S/13652),

Gravely concerned over 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
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 (S/13626) and 1 December 1979
(S/13671) relating to the grievances and statements of his Government on the
situation,

Recalling also the letter dated 25 November 1979 from the Secretary-General
(S/13646) 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 (S/13697) 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 is 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 of the situation (S/13704),

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 Security
Council resolution 457 (1979) and the Order of the International Court of
Justice of 15 December 1979 (S/13697);

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 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 Council to
achieve the objectives called for in this resolution and in this connexion takes
note of his readiness to go personally to Iran;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the 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 this resolution, to adopt effective measures
under Article 39 and 41 of the Charter of the United Nations.