U.S. unilaterally restores U.N. sanctions on Iran
The U.S. followed through on its threat to unilaterally restore sanctions against Iran, defying widespread international criticism.
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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UNGA approves pandemic measure on 6-month mark
The U.N. General Assembly approved its third coronavirus-related resolution on Friday, six months after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic.
Belarus opposition seeks U.N. reinforcement
The opposition leader of Belarus asked the United Nations for help challenging longtime authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko's crackdown.
Envoy says Syrian peace talks restoring trust
The U.N. special envoy to Syria said peace talks built "a little bit" more confidence and trust among government, opposition and civil society representatives.
IAEA chief negotiates nuclear access with Iran
Amid rising tensions on the U.N. Security Council over the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, IAEA and Tehran said Tehran will allow inspectors at two nuclear sites.
Security Council rejects U.S. demands on Iran
The U.N. Security Council rejected the Trump administration's attempt to use the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to restore international sanctions against Tehran.
Cybercrime and terrorism profit off pandemic, posing global challenge
The pandemic is being exploited to radicalize would-be terrorists and target vulnerable health care networks.
Top U.N. panel moves to further tighten humanitarian aid for Syria
The U.N. Security Council, bowing to Russia, constricted aid for Syrians in areas still beyond Syrian government control.
Trials continue for Srebrenica 25 years on
Eight Bosnian men and boys killed 25 years ago were laid to rest outside Srebrenica, a reminder that justice for genocide victims comes slowly, if at all.
Elders rally resistance to Israeli annexation
An independent group of global leaders appealed to European leaders to "stand firm" against Israel’s threat to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.
Security Council backs COVID-19 cease-fire
The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution calling for cease-fires worldwide so that everyone can focus on ending the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.N. refugee agency says war and conflict uprooted 1% of humanity
An unprecedented 79.5 million people - two-fifths of them children - were forcibly displaced as of the end of 2019.
Kenya wins race for fifth new UNSC seat
Kenya won election to the U.N. Security Council, joining with India, Ireland, Mexico and Norway in gaining a seat on the world body's most powerful arm.
Trump order meant to hold up ICC probe
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorizing sanctions against ICC officials who investigate alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan.
U.N. cancels usual summit of world leaders
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the United Nations will not summon world leaders to its annual gathering for the first time in its 75-year history.
Security Council halted by U.S. on cease-fire
The U.S. blocked a U.N. Security Council vote to end global hostilities amid a pandemic — the same day diplomats emphasized lessons from World War II.