United Nations

Iran-born Ellie Cohanim joins US UN Mission as senior policy advisor, UN ambassador announces

Cohanim has been a longtime anti-regime advocate, and has also used her platforms to spread awareness about the global rise in antisemitism.

Newly appointed  Senior Policy Advisor at the US Mission to the United Nations Ellie Cohanim with US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz.
 Illustrative image of a blazing sun.

Strong El Nino will develop rapidly over coming months, says UN weather agency

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk (C) speaks during a press conference as part of his working visit to South Korea at the Seoul Global Center in Seoul on May 13, 2026.

City of al-Obeid in Sudan facing human rights catastrophe, UN high commissioner warns council

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir gives a statement during a party meeting at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, Jerusalem, June 3, 2024.

Liberal Jewish groups plan UN protest against possible Ben-Gvir visit


Yemen government, Houthis to release more than 1,600 prisoners in conflict's largest swap

The conflict erupted after the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention in support of the government the following year.

Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, poses for a photo as members of the Supervisory Committee on the Detainees Release Agreement attend the closing ceremony of a meeting between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group, in Amman, Jordan, May 14, 2026.

Federal judge blocks US sanctions against UN's Francesca Albanese

US District Judge Richard Leon in Washington claimed that the Trump administration sought to regulate Francesca Albanese's speech because of the "idea or message expressed.”

UN special rapporteur on human rights in Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese attends press conference in Geneva

World Food Programme slashes Syria aid, affecting 7.2 million as funding crisis deepens

The World Food Programme has halved emergency food aid in Syria due to funding shortages, leaving millions vulnerable despite signs of stabilization.

Workers prepare AIS boxes at a World Food Programme (WFP) facility in Damascus countryside, Syria, July 29, 2025.

Israel reportedly operates covert base in Iraq during Iran campaign

A secret Israeli outpost in Iraq allegedly supported airstrikes on Iran and stayed hidden until an Iraqi patrol came dangerously close.

Smoke rises following an airstrike on a Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) headquarters at Kirkuk International Airport, in Kirkuk, Iraq, March 28, 2026.

Suspected oil spill seen on satellite images near Iran's Kharg Island export hub, Iran denies

The cause of the oil spill, which appears to cover the waters west of the 8-kilometer island, is still unknown.

A satellite image shows likely oil spill covering dozens of square kilometers near Iran's Kharg Island, May 6, 2026.

US-proposed Iran resolution at UN faces likely vetoes from China, Russia

A Chinese veto would be awkward ahead of US President Donald Trump's trip to China next week, where the Iran war is likely to be high on the agenda.

Members of the United Nations Security Council vote during at a United Nations Security Council meeting on a Hormuz resolution at UN headquarters in New York City, US, April 7, 2026.

US, Bahrain push UN-backed action for Hormuz as Rubio urges against vetoes

Diplomats said Washington hopes to close negotiations quickly, with the aim of circulating a final draft by May 8 and holding a vote early next week.

Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations, addresses the Security Council during the meeting on the situation in the Middle East, at UN headquarters in New York City, US, February 18, 2026.

Indus Waters Treaty abeyance after Pahalgam attack sparks India-Pakistan clash - opinion

Pakistan challenges India’s treaty suspension at the UN amid rising tensions between the countries.

Indian security force personnel stand guard at the site of a suspected militant attack on tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, April 24, 2025.

Finnish parliament strikes down initiative aimed at restricting weapons purchases from Israel

Finland has placed orders exceeding 800 million euros for weapons from Israel. The largest single acquisition was the David's Sling air defense system, purchased in 2023 for 316 million euros.

A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) fires at targets out at sea during a counter-landing live fire exercise as part of the annual Balikatan joint military drills on May 04, 2026

Human rights groups accuse Iran of hanging victim of child marriage as regime steps up executions

Avandi, who was 17 when she was forced to marry, was accused of killing her severely disabled husband 11 months into their marriage, five years ago.

PROTESTERS DISPLAY a banner calling for a halt to executions in Iran during a rally in Berlin, Germany, on January 10, 2026, in support of the Iran protests.