United Nations Security Council

India called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in West Asia during a UN Security Council meeting, condemning recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz that impacted Indian nationals. New Delhi reiterated its commitment to safe maritime navigation, a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the protection of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. The statement reflects India's growing diplomatic engagement in regional security issues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:35 AM UTC

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, strongly criticized the lack of progress in UN Security Council (UNSC) reform negotiations during the 80th session of the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN). The UN General Assembly rolled over the IGN to its 81st session, marking the 18th year of talks without concrete results. Harish invoked Indian philosophy to express frustration, stating the IGN has gone through 17 cycles with 'no liberation in sight.' He warned that the reform process cannot be held hostage by the 'narrow, divisive interests of a select few Member States.' India called for text-based negotiations with defined timelines and milestones, and insisted on expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of UNSC membership to better represent the Global South. India also recently launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat for the 2028-29 term, competing with Tajikistan.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:17 AM UTC

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of 'holding global food security hostage' after no vessels entered Ukraine's Odesa region ports on Wednesday, the first such day since the grain corridor opened in 2023. Sybiha stated that Russia bombed at least three civilian cargo ships in recent days, killing and injuring dozens of crew members. Shipping giant Maersk suspended operations at Chornomorsk Fishing Port and moved traffic to Romania's Constanta Port. Sybiha compared Russia's actions to Iran targeting energy routes in the Strait of Hormuz, and Ukraine has requested a UN Security Council meeting on July 27. Separately, Ukraine launched drone attacks on Wildberries, Russia's leading e-commerce retailer, destroying warehouses and goods worth nearly the company's entire annual profit, aiming to bring the conflict home to ordinary Russians and strain Russia's economy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 09:52 PM UTC

On July 22, 2026, at the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on Natural Resources Governance, India's Permanent Representative Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish strongly rejected Pakistan's remarks. India stated that cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) cannot be expected when cross-border terrorism is used as an instrument of state policy. India put the IWT in abeyance following the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Harish reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir has always been, is, and will remain an integral and inalienable part of India, and accused Pakistan of illegally occupying Indian territory. The rebuttal came after Pakistan's envoy accused India of 'weaponising water' by suspending the treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus basin rivers.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:02 AM UTC

The Japan-Brazil Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue took place in Tokyo on May 18 between Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral ties under the 'Strategic and Global Partnership Action Plan Japan-Brazil (2025-2030).' Key outcomes included progress toward entering Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations and Brazil's agreement on economic security cooperation. The article notes that while Brazil has deepened ties with China, its largest trading partner, it seeks to diversify relationships and avoid over-reliance on any single country. Brazil has notably declined to join China's Belt and Road Initiative. Japan views Brazil as a crucial partner for trade diversification, securing agricultural products and rare earths, and advancing shared values like democracy and UN Security Council reform. The dialogue is seen as a meaningful step, but realizing the relationship's potential requires sustained investment in people-to-people ties and business engagement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:13 AM UTC

On May 18, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira held the first Japan-Brazil Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Tokyo. The meeting advanced discussions on a potential Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Japan and Mercosur, with Brazil agreeing to cooperate on economic security. The article analyzes the untapped potential in the bilateral relationship, noting that trade remains narrowly concentrated and Japan's share of Brazil's trade has fallen to 2%. It highlights Brazil's strategic autonomy: while deepening ties with China (its largest trading partner), Brazil has declined to join China's Belt and Road Initiative and seeks to diversify partners. Brazil shares democratic values and diplomatic goals with Japan, including UN Security Council reform. The dialogue is seen as a meaningful step, but realizing the relationship's potential requires sustained investment in people-to-people ties and business engagement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:13 AM UTC

The Japan-Brazil Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue was held in Tokyo on May 18 between Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. Both countries are working to strengthen their relationship under the 'Strategic and Global Partnership Action Plan Japan-Brazil (2025-2030),' reflecting untapped potential. Trade remains narrowly concentrated, with Japan's share of Brazil's foreign trade declining to 2 percent. Brazil, moving toward free trade after signing an FTA with the EU, sees an opportunity to diversify partners, while Japan seeks to expand trade and secure resources. Progress was made on entering EPA negotiations and economic security cooperation. The article notes that while China is Brazil's largest trading partner, Brazil pursues a multipolar order and avoids over-reliance on any single country, declining to join China's Belt and Road Initiative. Japan and Brazil share diplomatic objectives like UN Security Council reform and values such as democracy and human rights. The dialogue is seen as a meaningful step, but realizing the relationship's potential requires sustained investment in people-to-people ties and business engagement.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:13 AM UTC

An exclusive New York Post report reveals that President Trump wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to become the next UN Secretary-General, succeeding Antonio Guterres. Infantino, 56, grew close to Trump during the World Cup, inviting him to the tournament and awarding him FIFA's Peace Award. Trump believes Infantino is respected globally and can unite people. The selection requires UN Security Council approval, including veto-wielding permanent members. Trump sees a gap among current candidates, including Michelle Bachelet and Rafael Grossi, and his push would break the expected Latin American rotation. Trump's special representative Paolo Zampolli endorsed the idea, citing Infantino's management of FIFA's 200+ members as similar to the UN's 193 states. Trump has long been frustrated with UN inaction and recently established a US-led UN Peace Council.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:26 PM UTC

Iran has warned of a nuclear safety risk after the United States struck the under-construction Karun (Darkhovin) nuclear power plant in Khuzestan province. Iran's UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the Security Council that U.S. forces fired multiple missiles at the facility, which is under IAEA safeguards and used exclusively for peaceful purposes. He urged the Security Council to condemn the strikes as a violation of international law prohibiting attacks on civil nuclear sites. The IAEA stated the attack posed no risk of nuclear fuel release because the plant was in early construction and contained no fuel. The strike is part of the 18th wave of U.S. missile strikes against Iranian targets. The escalation has led Iran to shut down the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. to reinstate a naval blockade on Iranian ports, complicating peace negotiations. Oil traders remain cautiously optimistic despite reduced chances of peace.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:44 AM UTC

India has launched its campaign for an elected seat on the United Nations Security Council, positioning itself as a voice for peace amid global turmoil. The campaign faces a contest with Tajikistan for the seat. The article, presented by Suhasini Haidar, examines New Delhi's strategy and the challenges the government faces in securing the position. The campaign launch occurs against a backdrop of international instability, with India seeking to leverage its diplomatic influence and credentials as a peace advocate.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 02:53 PM UTC

This Op-Ed by Dr. Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg analyzes the Gulf Cooperation Council's strategic shift from immediate de-risking measures to long-term security frameworks in response to over 7,000 Iranian attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The author highlights the urgent need for international intervention, specifically proposing a UN Security Council resolution to assert the strait's international status and potentially deploy a peacekeeping force. Although Russia and China initially vetoed the draft, recent diplomatic signals suggest shifting positions, with Bahrain resubmitting the proposal. Meanwhile, the GCC is enhancing military defenses, particularly missile and drone systems, and diversifying supply chains through new pipelines and transport routes to bypass potential blockades. The article also notes the formation of a 50-nation coalition led by the UK and France to secure navigation. Ultimately, the GCC aims to strengthen alliances with regional partners like Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, ensuring robust connectivity and resilience against future geopolitical threats while advocating for strict adherence to international maritime law.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on May 15, 2026, articulated Russia's strong stance on reforming the United Nations Security Council. Lavrov emphasized the necessity for broader representation of the 'global majority' within the Council's structure. He explicitly confirmed Moscow's support for the ambitions of Brazil and India to secure permanent membership seats. Furthermore, Lavrov highlighted the need to address historical injustices faced by African nations regarding their representation. In contrast, he firmly rejected proposals to grant additional seats to Western countries, arguing that the 'collective West' is already overrepresented and maintains a monopoly on shaping the global agenda. This statement underscores Russia's diplomatic strategy to align with emerging powers and challenge the current Western-dominated multilateral system. The remarks were made during a plenary session focused on the reform of global governance, reflecting ongoing tensions between traditional powers and the expanding influence of BRICS nations in international institutions.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly criticized the unilateral structure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi. He asserted that reforming the UNSC is an obligation rather than a choice, arguing that the post-World War II international order fails to address 21st-century realities. Araghchi highlighted a deep global crisis of confidence, accusing certain international powers of misusing international law to impose unilateral sanctions and ignore national sovereignty. He called for a new global order grounded in justice, respect for sovereignty, human rights, and political diversity. Furthermore, he advocated for new financial mechanisms to prevent the economy from being used as a tool of pressure or economic terrorism. The Foreign Minister also condemned the UNSC for its silence regarding attacks by the USA and Israel on Iranian infrastructure and civilians. His remarks emphasize the need for multilateralism over unilateralism in global governance structures.

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During a conclave of BRICS Foreign Ministers in New Delhi on May 15, 2026, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly advocated for the expansion of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He argued that the effectiveness and credibility of the UN remain constrained without meaningful reform, particularly as global governance structures have failed to keep pace with a more interconnected and multipolar world. Jaishankar emphasized that current UNSC compositions reflect an earlier era, necessitating increased representation for Asia, Africa, and Latin America in both permanent and non-permanent categories. Beyond security council reforms, he outlined three additional priorities: urgent reform of the international financial architecture to address supply chain vulnerabilities and resource inequalities; strengthening the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization; and ensuring fair market access for developing countries. The remarks highlight India's persistent ambition for a permanent UNSC seat and align with broader BRICS consensus on updating global institutions. The meeting occurred amidst discussions on other geopolitical tensions, including issues related to Iran and internal bloc dynamics, underscoring the complex environment in which these diplomatic pushes for structural change are taking place.

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The United Nations Security Council will convene an urgent meeting on May 19, 2026, to address the severe escalation of Russian military strikes against Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure. The session was requested by Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Andrii Melnyk, in a formal letter to Fu Cong, China’s Permanent Representative and current Security Council president. Melnyk reported that between May 4 and May 11, Russian forces deployed approximately 600 strike drones and 16 ballistic missiles, resulting in over 40 civilian deaths and more than 200 injuries. He highlighted May 5 as one of the deadliest recent days, with casualties in Zaporizhzhia, Kramatorsk, Dnipro, and Poltava. The envoy condemned these actions as flagrant violations of international humanitarian law, noting they occurred despite a ceasefire proposal by President Volodymyr Zelensky and a declared ceasefire period following statements by U.S. President Donald Trump. Further attacks on May 13 involving over 800 drones killed at least eight people. Ukraine asserts that Russia is choosing escalation and terror over diplomacy, urging the international community to recognize these systematic strikes as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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Six Arab nations, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, jointly condemned Iran's claims to unilaterally manage the Strait of Hormuz in a letter to the UN Security Council. They rejected Tehran's establishment of new legal rules for the vital waterway, demanding immediate withdrawal of such claims and unrestricted maritime access. Separately, the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and critical facilities, citing intercepted missiles and drones during recent tensions. The UAE held Iran responsible for casualties and damages, calling for full compensation under international law. These diplomatic complaints coincide with escalating rhetoric, as Iranian officials accused the UAE of direct involvement in hostilities against Iran, alleging collusion with Israel. The situation highlights heightened regional instability, with both sides exchanging serious allegations regarding security violations, maritime rights, and military engagements, prompting urgent international attention through formal UN channels.

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A massive Russian attack on Kyiv on May 14, 2026, has resulted in at least nine confirmed deaths, including a 13-year-old child, according to Ukrainian officials. Tymur Tkachenko, Head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, reported the updated casualty figure as rescuers recovered another body from the rubble. The assault caused significant destruction, particularly in the Darnytskyi district, where a residential building was severely damaged. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko stated that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with more than 200 rescuers and heavy equipment deployed to the site. While 28 residents have been pulled from the debris, authorities are still searching for approximately 20 missing individuals. Additionally, 45 people were reported injured in the strike. In response to the tragedy, Kyiv has declared May 15 a day of mourning for the victims. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has initiated a United Nations Security Council meeting to address the killings of Ukrainian civilians. The incident highlights the continued intensity of the conflict and its devastating impact on civilian populations in the capital city.

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has initiated an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address Russia's recent mass killings of Ukrainian civilians. This diplomatic move follows a massive Russian attack involving 675 drones and 56 missiles, including ballistic ones, launched between May 13 and May 14, 2026. The strikes severely damaged residential buildings in Kyiv and across Ukraine, resulting in at least eight confirmed deaths, dozens of injuries, and approximately twenty people still missing. Sybiha emphasized that the scale of violence necessitates a strong international response and urged global states to act against what he described as Russia's terrorist tactics. In addition to seeking UN intervention, the Foreign Minister instructed all Ukrainian embassies to lower flags and open books of condolences. Foreign ambassadors in Kyiv will also be invited to visit sites where residential high-rises were destroyed. Sybiha stated that these actions aim to show the world that Russia responds to peace proposals with terror and violence. Consequently, Kyiv has declared May 15 a day of mourning for the victims of this latest aggression.

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Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council in response to a intensified large-scale Russian air attack on Kyiv and its surrounding regions. The strike, which occurred overnight on May 13-14, 2026, resulted in significant civilian casualties, with at least eight people confirmed killed, including a 12-year-old child, and 44 others injured. Additionally, twenty individuals remain missing following the destruction of a multi-storey residential building. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attacks as acts of terror against civilians and humanitarian personnel, urging strong international responses. He instructed Ukrainian embassies worldwide to lower flags and open condolence books on May 15. Furthermore, foreign ambassadors stationed in Kyiv were invited to visit the devastation site to witness the impact firsthand. This diplomatic mobilization highlights Ukraine's effort to leverage international platforms to address the escalating violence and seek accountability for the loss of life and property damage caused by the Russian military offensive.

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The announcement of High Representative Christian Schmidt’s resignation has triggered intense political reactions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, coinciding with a critical UN Security Council report on the nation's stability. His departure occurs amidst significant political blockades, institutional tensions, and ongoing debates regarding the country's European integration path. Despite uncertainties about his successor, the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to Bosnia’s EU membership prospects, with Special Representative Luigi Soreca emphasizing that reforms will continue uninterrupted. Military officials from EUFOR also sought to alleviate security concerns, stating there are no immediate threats to national unity. Domestic responses remain sharply divided; Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković defended Schmidt’s actions against obstructionist policies, while Republika Srpska officials rejected accusations of undermining state institutions, arguing that the Office of the High Representative has historically weakened their constitutional position. Analysts predict that the next High Representative will face entrenched challenges, including secessionist rhetoric and disputes over state competencies. The situation highlights a divergence between US preferences for reduced international oversight and European insistence on maintaining the Bonn powers to ensure peace and implement necessary electoral and property reforms under the Dayton Peace Agreement.

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Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, is scheduled to travel to the United States starting May 25 to attend a UN Security Council debate under China’s presidency. This visit follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s trip to China from May 23 to 25, where Dar will also accompany him. The coordinated diplomatic efforts aim to position Pakistan as a central actor in regional and global security discussions, emphasizing mediation and multilateralism. In New York, Dar plans sideline interactions with the UN Secretary-General and foreign ministers from the Czech Republic and Thailand, before proceeding to Washington for further meetings. While a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio remains unconfirmed, the itinerary highlights Pakistan’s strategy to balance strategic ties with China while maintaining working relations with the US and Gulf states. Against the backdrop of fluctuating tensions between Washington and Tehran, Islamabad seeks to project itself as a stabilizing middle power capable of engaging multiple sides. The upcoming Sharif-Xi meeting is expected to address economic cooperation via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, regional connectivity, and broader geopolitical instability spanning from the Middle East to South Asia.

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Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar declared that Pakistan successfully countered India's narrative during the 'Marka-e-Haq' and May War through national unity and coordinated state responses. Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad, Tarar argued that India imposed the conflict despite Pakistan's role as a frontline state against terrorism. He dismissed Indian allegations regarding the Pahalgam incident as baseless false flag operations, citing geographical inconsistencies and India's refusal to accept an independent investigation offered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Tarar highlighted Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, including journalist visits to disputed sites, to expose false accusations. He contrasted responsible Pakistani media conduct with Indian 'war hysteria,' praising the youth's digital engagement. The minister also referenced transnational assassinations linked to India and the arrest of spy Kulbhushan Yadav as evidence of Indian destabilization. Ultimately, he asserted that Pakistan emerged victorious on battlefield, diplomatic, and narrative fronts by presenting factual information globally and maintaining institutional alignment.

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The Dominican Republic has officially designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah as terrorist organizations. This significant diplomatic move was announced by the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Santo Domingo. The government stated that the decision aligns with relevant resolutions from the United Nations Security Council, the Inter-American Convention against Terrorism, and existing Dominican legal frameworks. Despite this stringent designation, Iran continues to maintain diplomatic representation for the Dominican Republic through its embassy located in Cuba. The mission is currently headed by Ambassador Seyed Mohammad Hadi Sobhani, who formally presented his credentials to Dominican President Luis Abinader in December 2024. This action marks a notable shift in the Caribbean nation's stance towards these specific entities, reinforcing its commitment to international counter-terrorism standards while navigating complex diplomatic relationships. The designation places the Dominican Republic among nations that have formally recognized these groups as threats to global security, potentially impacting future bilateral interactions and regional security cooperation.

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The Lebanese Foreign Ministry has formally lodged a complaint with the United Nations Security Council, accusing Iran of violating Lebanon’s sovereignty and interfering in its internal affairs. Lebanese Ambassador to the UN, Ahmed Arafa, stated that Iran’s actions, particularly those involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have dragged Lebanon into a devastating conflict with Israel against the will of its constitutional institutions. The complaint highlights catastrophic consequences, including thousands of casualties, over a million displaced citizens, and significant material damage, alongside Israeli occupation of parts of Lebanese territory. Additionally, Beirut alleges that Iran disregarded the Lebanese government’s decision to declare Ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani persona non grata, failing to leave by the March 29 deadline, which constitutes a violation of the Vienna Convention. This diplomatic move aims to hold Iran accountable under international law and strengthen Lebanon’s international standing as it seeks to restore full control over security-related decisions. The filing underscores Beirut’s effort to reassert state authority amidst ongoing regional tensions and domestic instability caused by external interference.

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South African Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola, during his first visit to India for the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi, asserted that the bloc is delivering tangible results rather than mere political symbolism. He highlighted concrete financial support from the New Development Bank for South Africa’s logistics and water sectors. Lamola emphasized strengthening trade ties and reducing dependence on Western financial systems, though he clarified that a common BRICS currency is not an immediate priority. Instead, focus remains on local currency settlements and advancing free trade agreements, including ongoing negotiations with India. The minister firmly rejected reports of South Africa’s potential exclusion from the G20, affirming its founding member status and criticizing US absence at previous summits. He also advocated for UN Security Council reform to include permanent seats for India, Brazil, and African nations, reflecting post-colonial demographics. Amidst global conflicts, Lamola urged diplomatic engagement over military solutions, reaffirming South Africa’s non-aligned stance. He stressed the deep historical bonds between India and South Africa, noting growing trade in agricultural exports like citrus, and declared the rise of the Global South as an unstoppable force shaping future multilateralism.

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Bahrain is spearheading a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that demands the guarantee of freedom of navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The resolution explicitly calls on Iran to cease its alleged attacks on Gulf countries, highlighting escalating regional tensions. As of May 13, 2026, the initiative has garnered significant international support, accumulating 112 co-sponsors. This diplomatic move underscores the critical importance of the Strait of Hormuz as a global chokepoint for energy supplies and international trade. The push for this resolution reflects growing concern among Gulf states and their allies regarding maritime security and Iranian military activities in the region. Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo reports on the developing situation, noting the broad coalition forming behind Bahrain’s leadership. The resolution aims to establish a unified international stance against disruptions to maritime traffic, seeking to de-escalate potential conflicts and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels. This event marks a significant diplomatic effort to address security challenges in the Persian Gulf through multilateral institutions.

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A draft United Nations Security Council resolution, led by Bahrain and the United States, has secured 112 co-sponsors, representing two-thirds of UN member states. The resolution demands freedom of navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and calls for an immediate end to Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbors. Principal sponsors include Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and major economies like India, Japan, and South Korea, alongside most European Union members. This diplomatic push occurs amidst deadlocked peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The US insists on dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and lifting shipping restrictions, while Iran demands war reparations, an end to US naval blockades, and recognition of its sovereignty over the strait. Although China and Russia vetoed a similar resolution previously, their stance on this new draft remains uncertain. Regional mediators, including Pakistan and Turkey, are actively engaging to prevent further escalation, emphasizing the global economic impact of the strait's closure. No voting date has been set yet, but the broad international support underscores growing concern over regional stability and energy supply security.

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Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressed the UN Security Council regarding the 69th report by High Representative Christian Schmidt on peace implementation. Bećirović emphasized that the primary challenge facing Bosnia and Herzegovina is not the Office of the High Representative (OHR), but the anti-Dayton policies pursued by the leadership of the Republika Srpska (RS) entity. He argued that these actions have repeatedly brought the country to the brink of conflict and undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement. Bećirović highlighted BiH's progress toward EU and NATO integration, noting that candidate status was granted in 2022 and accession negotiations opened in 2024, despite obstructions from RS. He reaffirmed the OHR's legal basis under Annex 10 of the Dayton Agreement, stating it is essential for protecting the peace accord. Furthermore, he warned neighboring countries, Serbia and Croatia, against interfering in BiH's internal affairs, reminding them of their obligations to respect BiH's sovereignty and territorial integrity as signatories to the peace agreement. Bećirović concluded that the international community must support institutions protecting the agreement rather than weakening them.

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Recent reports reveal that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates carried out undisclosed military strikes against targets inside Iran during the recent regional conflict. Citing Western and Iranian officials, Reuters confirmed that the Saudi Air Force attacked Iranian sites in late March as retaliation for attacks on the kingdom, marking a significant shift in Riyadh's defensive posture. Similarly, Bloomberg reported that the UAE conducted multiple strikes, including coordinated operations with Israel against petrochemical facilities in Asaluyeh and Lavan Island. These actions highlight the broader involvement of Gulf states beyond the direct Iran-US-Israel confrontation. Following these secret retaliations, intensive diplomatic consultations between Tehran and Riyadh led to an informal understanding aimed at de-escalating tensions just before the April 8 ceasefire. Data indicates a sharp decrease in drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia following these engagements. Despite continued proxy attacks from Iraqi militias, the direct state-level hostilities between Iran and key Gulf neighbors were temporarily halted through these backchannel diplomatic efforts, underscoring a complex mix of covert military action and diplomatic maneuvering in the region.

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Christian Schmidt, the High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressed the United Nations Security Council to warn about destructive political tensions threatening the country's stability. During his final report presentation, Schmidt highlighted a critical choice facing Bosnia: moving toward institutional sustainability and democratic governance or succumbing to stagnation caused by political obstruction. He emphasized that while immediate security risks are low, the nation suffers from a severe crisis in institutional functionality and political accountability, which negatively impacts economic development and citizens' daily lives. Schmidt specifically criticized the Republika Srpska administration for undermining territorial integrity and reform efforts. Additionally, he stressed the urgent need for timely deployment of election technologies ahead of the October 26 general elections. Schmidt announced his personal decision to resign from his post, with his departure scheduled for June pending the selection of a successor. His tenure, beginning in August 2021, concludes amidst what he describes as a deepening governance crisis. The Office of the High Representative, established by the Dayton Peace Agreement, retains broad powers to enforce peace implementation.

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