UN Security Council

North Korea launched a barrage of about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Thursday. South Korea bolstered its surveillance posture and coordinated information with the U.S. and Japan, leading to an emergency meeting of the presidential national security council. Following the launches, the council urged North Korea to halt missile tests that are banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions.

North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile toward the sea from its eastern coastal Wonsan area on Thursday, resuming weapons tests days before annual military drills between the U.S. and South Korea begin. Following this test, leader Kim Jong Un reinforced the need to bolster the military’s offensive posture as North Korea focuses on enlarging its nuclear and missile arsenals. These actions occur amid heightened tensions regarding joint exercises that rival nations view differently.

The U.S. is delaying approval of France’s ambassador pick, Aurélien Lechevallier, due to a diplomatic dispute over a French U.N. mission post criticizing U.S. alignment with Russia and North Korea on human rights. A U.S. official called the French comments 'irresponsible and disrespectful,' highlighting tensions between the two allies.

Michelle Bachelet placed fourth in the UN Security Council’s first straw poll for UN Secretary-General, receiving two encourage votes, six discourage votes, and seven no-opinion votes. Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan led with ten votes, according to Reuters.

The UN Security Council conducted its first informal straw poll on July 30, 2026, for the Secretary-General bid. Rebeca Grynspan received 10 encourage votes, 1 discourage vote, and 4 no opinion, while Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana placed second with 9 encourage votes. Seven candidates are vying for the position.

The United States walked out of a UN Security Council meeting as France's ambassador spoke, following a diplomatic dispute over the US opposition to extending the mandate of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. France criticized the US for voting against the extension alongside countries like Russia and North Korea, while the US accused the UN human rights system of political bias.

The United Nations warned that a political process cannot succeed while Israeli forces devastate Gaza and escalate violence in the West Bank. Deputy special coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov highlighted that Gaza's reconstruction is unsustainable without a political process, and violence in the West Bank remains at alarming levels.

The US walked out of a UN Security Council meeting during France's remarks after the US, along with North Korea and Russia, voted against extending the term of the UN high commissioner for human rights. The disagreement led to a disruption in the meeting.

US diplomats walked out during a UN Security Council meeting as France criticized the Trump administration’s human rights record. The US opposed the reappointment of UN human rights chief Volker Turk, which France supported.

US diplomats walked out of a UN meeting during France's speech. The incident occurred amid tensions over the reappointment of the human rights chief.

The United States walked out of a UN Security Council meeting during France's remarks on Ukraine, escalating a dispute over human rights. The conflict followed the US voting against extending the UN human rights chief's mandate, with France comparing Washington's position to that of Russia, North Korea, and other authoritarian states.

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, claimed Israel cannot ensure law and order in the land it 'unlawfully occupies.' She urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter, called for UN Security Council sanctions and a peacekeeping force, and advocated for states to halt trade and arms transfers to 'Apartheid.'

UN Chief António Guterres made his first official visit to Syria in 17 years, meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who was under UN Security Council sanctions until last year.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Pakistan’s initiative to strengthen peaceful dispute settlement mechanisms at the UN Security Council, emphasizing the need for diplomacy over military solutions in escalating conflicts across the Middle East. Pakistan’s Resolution 2788 (2025), adopted unanimously, aims to enhance negotiation, mediation, and other peaceful means under the UN Charter.

The United Nations is set to elect a new secretary-general to replace Antonio Guterres, who will complete his second five-year term on December 31. The role, defined by the UN Charter as the 'chief administrative officer,' has historically been filled by candidates from non-global powers, with the secretary-general mediating conflicts and advising the Security Council. The UN faces challenges to its authority amid renewed criticism from the US and Israel.

India criticized Pakistan at the UN Security Council after Islamabad 'misused' a discussion to push a 'false narrative.' India reiterated that Kashmir is an 'integral, inalienable part' of the country.

Kyiv has requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting following Russian attacks that disrupted civilian shipping and impacted Ukraine's Black Sea grain exports.

The UN Security Council reported in 2026 that jihadist groups in West Africa are rapidly adopting drones, encrypted communications, and cryptocurrencies. ISWAP conducted approximately 10 armed drone strikes between 2024 and 2026, including a coordinated four-drone attack on a Nigerian forward operating base.

China tested an intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile on July 6 from a nuclear-powered submarine, joining the US, Russia, Britain, and France in an elite group. Analysts suggest the missile was launched from China’s Type 094 Jin-class nuclear-powered submarine.

Sudan has rejected renewed claims by the United States representative before the UN Security Council regarding the Sudanese Armed Forces' alleged use of chemical weapons.

Iran sent a letter to the UN accusing the US of violating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ending regional conflict. The letter claims the US has 'systematically undermined' the MoU and disregarded its international legal obligations, posing a threat to global peace and security.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned attacks on two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi urged the UN to take decisive action and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Jaishankar discussed global developments including West Asia and Ukraine with UN Chief Guterres. He launched India’s official campaign for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2028-29 at an event attended by UN ambassadors, diplomats, and officials.

Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia's security and territorial integrity at a UN Security Council briefing, condemning Houthi missile attacks on the kingdom. The statement followed a recent escalation in Yemen involving an airport strike and intercepted ballistic missiles, with Pakistan urging diplomatic solutions to the conflict.

India has launched its campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term. The election will take place in June next year, with India competing against Tajikistan for the sole seat in the Asia-Pacific Group.

Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport in response to Saudi airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport. The UN Security Council expressed concern over potential escalation, while the Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen reported intercepting Houthi missiles. Tensions have risen following the UAE's withdrawal from Yemen earlier this year.

Iran thanked Pakistan and Somalia for abstaining from a UN Security Council vote on its nuclear program, which Tehran called legally unfounded. The meeting, requested by Bahrain and European nations, aimed to discuss Resolution 2231's implementation, but Iran argued the resolution expired in October 2023 and lacks legal authority.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations warned that Tehran could cease honoring a memorandum of understanding with the United States if US attacks continue. The ambassador accused the US of violating the UN Charter and stated Iran would no longer be bound by the MoU if Washington fails to meet its obligations.

India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance is criticized as legally invalid, as the treaty lacks a suspension clause and relies on disputed facts. The article highlights India's unproven allegations against Pakistan regarding the Pahalgam terrorist attack and cross-border terrorism, which Pakistan denies. It argues that such disputes fall outside the IWT's scope and should be addressed through other international forums.

The UN Security Council's third meeting on Iran's nuclear program since Resolution 2231 expired in October failed to reach a resolution. Russia and China forced a procedural vote, which passed with 11 votes in favor, two against, and two abstentions, mirroring previous sessions. The US and Western allies reiterated allegations about Iran's nuclear activities, but the session ended without formal outcomes.

Ukraine reported to the UN Security Council that Russian recruits are surviving only 10 days to three weeks due to catastrophic battlefield losses, while Moscow's advances remain limited.

The US condemned Russia’s destruction of Ukrainian homes and heritage at the UN Security Council, urging Russia to stop the war and citing 40,000 monthly casualties in Moscow’s forces. Ukrainian civilians are facing deadly strikes in Kyiv.

The Baltic states informed the UN Security Council that Russia's attacks on Ukrainian civilians constitute a sustained campaign of terror and urged Moscow to agree to an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire.

Ambassador Tammy Bruce from the U.S. Mission to the UN addressed a UN Security Council Open Debate on conflict-related sexual violence in Africa. The debate focused on addressing sexual violence in conflict zones.

Ukraine has requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting following Russia's second large-scale missile and drone attack within days. Kyiv urged council members to support the request, warning that delayed or weak responses encourage further Russian attacks.

The UN Security Council was warned that Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories is undermining the two-state solution, with Pakistan's ambassador citing a large-scale expansion and the UN Secretary-General condemning the displacement crisis and violence.

A UN official condemned Israeli attacks on Gaza and the occupied West Bank, stating the situation remains volatile. He urged respect for a US-brokered ceasefire and criticized officials for promoting violence and incitement.

An Iranian official warned Bahrain to 'know their limits' and avoid provoking Iran, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps threatened U.S. bases in the region. Bahrain called for a U.N. Security Council emergency meeting after Iran attacked a U.S. Navy base in Bahrain.

A residential building in Bahrain's Muharraq Governorate was damaged in an Iranian strike, according to the Bahraini Ministry of Interior. The ministry described the attack as 'sinful Iranian aggression' and called on the UN Security Council to hold an urgent session to address the aggression. No casualties were reported.

Bahrain condemns Iran's missile and drone attacks, stating they violate its sovereignty and hinder regional stability. The country is urging the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to address the aggression and hold Iran accountable.