War on Iran tests foundation of international law as conflict widens
Organizations warn the U.S. and Israeli strikes raise questions over the use of force, civilian protections, nuclear safety.
U.N. Security Council
The United Nations Security Council is the premier global body charged with maintaining international peace and security. Comprised of 15 members — including five permanent, veto-wielding powers — it is the only U.N. body with the authority to issue legally binding resolutions. From deploying peacekeeping missions and imposing sanctions to authorizing collective military action, the Council serves as the world’s central forum for crisis management and global diplomatic enforcement.
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U.N. holds Iran emergency session as Trump says Khamenei 'is dead'
'We are witnessing a grave threat to international peace and security,' the U.N. chief told the U.N. Security Council.
Strikes on Iran derail nuclear track as U.S. takes U.N. council presidency
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A.U. summit shows shift toward regional pillars in global governance
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U.S. gives 'man of action' ultimatum at U.N. as Iran death toll climbs
Trump's U.N. envoy warns "all options are on the table" to end the Iranian government crackdown on protesters.
U.N., European leaders alarmed at impacts of U.S. action in Venezuela
The action raised urgent questions on international law and regional stability as Venezuela turned to the U.N. in protest.
Veto limits and aid overhaul urged as the remedy for 'new world disorder'
At the top of IRC’s agenda is a push to strip five veto-wielding nations of their ability to paralyze the U.N. Security Council.
U.N. chief urges Houthi rebels to release 59 staff detained in Yemen
The U.N. staff detained by Houthis in Yemen are in addition to dozens of staff from NGOs and diplomatic missions.
U.N. chief's selection enters public phase as calls for transparency rise
Since 1946, a woman has never been chosen for the top job, and four of the nine U.N. chiefs have been Europeans.
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The bloc committed to tripling renewable energy capacity globally and working towards U.N. Security Council reform.
Nations approve U.S.-led plan for Gaza despite pushback and threats
The resolution establishes a temporary International Stabilization Force and a civilian transitional administration.
Climate lead shifts to Global South as rich nations show lost 'enthusiasm'
As COP30 opened, its president said high-income countries are retreating from their Paris Agreement climate obligations.
U.N., ICC and others issue dire warnings on atrocities in Sudan
The ICC prosecutor's office is investigating reports of 'mass killings, rapes, and other crimes' by paramilitary forces.
Sudan war crimes and famine risk intensify with killing of aid workers
IFRC confirmed the killing of five Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers at a food mission and three still missing.
U.N. sanctions tension rises as U.S. court clears trial for Turkish bank
The ruling tests the limits of sovereign immunity during a period of intense, worldwide enforcement of Iran penalties.