Maintenance of international peace and security - Security Council, 10194th meeting

The 10,194th meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is maintenance of international peace and security. The agenda is adopted. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2026/568, the text of a draft resolution submitted by Greece and the United States of America. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. Will those in favor of the draft resolution contained in document S/2026/568 please raise their hand?

Aye.

Those against?

Abstentions? The result of the voting is as follows: 13 votes in favor, 0 votes against, 2 abstentions. The draft resolution has been adopted. As Resolution 2826/2026. I now give the floor to those members of the Council that wish to make a statement after the vote. I give the floor to the representative of the United States of America.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. President. The United States welcomes the technical rollover of this resolution for another 6 months, and we particularly want to thank Greece for their partnership. Colleagues, Iran's attacks on commercial vessels and its attempt to hold the Strait of Hormuz and, with it, the world economy hostage have made 2 things clear. Number one, freedom of navigation is essential to international peace and prosperity, as this Council has discussed extensively in recent months. And 2, there are regimes willing to trample that freedom to score political points, to try to win an argument, or to shield themselves From the consequences of their own aggression. Colleagues, this is what is crystal clear today, that the Houthis, a declared terrorist organization, are Tehran's acolytes. They have studied the IRGC playbook. And here's what happens when Iran kidnaps civilians. The Houthis do too. When Iran hides behind human shields, the Houthis do as well. When Iran targets civilian infrastructure across the Gulf, so do the Houthis. When Iran chants death to Israel and death to America, the Houthis repeat it word for word. In fact, look at the Houthi flag. It essentially says those 2 things: death to Israel and death to America on their flag. And then they actually add their own twist, chanting death to America, death to Israel. And then they add a curse upon the Jews. This is from the Houthis repeatedly and on the record. So if Iran is willing to threaten the Strait of Hormuz, how long before the Houthis decide to once again mirror their benefactor, their mentors, their idols in Tehran, and try to shut down the Red Sea. They've already threatened to do it. And just yesterday, the Houthis launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia's civilian— and I emphasize civilian— Abha International Airport and threatened civilian airlines While they're in the air, in Saudi airspace. The Houthis are not defending Yemen, as they claim, by threatening civilian families, men, women, and children flying before— aboard civilian aircraft. They are not making the case for a stable Yemen by striking airports that in the past conducted commerce and travel between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. No, they are terrorizing the region on Tehran's behalf. End of story. The Houthis have also launched missiles towards Israel and have declared that they will dictate which nations navigate the Red Sea and which may not. Their first ban, Israeli ships, civilian, military, doesn't matter. According to the Houthis, they've decided what's allowed. And the Houthis seem to believe that a missile launcher gives them jurisdiction over the world's most important waterways. And colleagues, as you have heard from the United States repeatedly, that is something we as an international body cannot allow. Those with the missile launcher do not decide what's international waters or what's internet or what is not. Those with sea mines do not get to decide how we as free and sovereign nations conduct international trade. They do not get to decide which flags may sail, which families may fly safely and freely, or which economies may trade. The Houthis have repeatedly tested whether this council's resolutions mean much. Resolution 2722 demanded that the Houthis immediately cease their attacks against merchant— against merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. And once again, the Houthis have not complied. Colleagues, every time this council responds to terrorism without consequences, the terrorists learn the same lesson. Keep it up. Keep firing. There will be no consequences. You know, President Trump's preference. I've stated it here. My preference, the United States' preference, we say it all the time, our preference is always to use words and not bullets. But diplomacy only works when our words mean something. And every time the Houthis fire another missile after this council tells them to stop, they are betting that our words are empty. They are hedging. that another Secretary-General's report won't mean very much to us, won't cause consequences for them. And so we welcome this resolution's continued vigilance in calling out the Houthi threat. But colleagues, I'm convinced this reporting mechanism cannot and should not become just another United Nations paper exercise. Colleagues, just one additional point, uh, point in this regard. We welcome the UN Panel of Experts' June 30th report on dual-use items and urge member states to act on its recommendations. This is something that is actionable, that is reasonable, that is within capabilities to interdict and to take action on these dual-use items. Let's not file this report away until the Houthis launch the next missile. This Council's Resolution 2216 imposed an arms embargo prohibiting the supply, sale, or transfer of weapons to the Houthis. That prohibition includes— and this is the important point— the prohibition includes the components, the technology, and the dual-use items that feed Houthi missile, drone, and surveillance programs. So we're calling on our colleagues here, we're calling on like-minded nations to take meaningful action in their own regard to intercept and to interdict these dual-use items and to enforce this council's resolution. States like Iran, uh, and to some degree, uh, companies and entities in China have violated Resolution 2216 with little consequence. Just this week, an Iranian aircraft carried a Houthi delegation from Tehran. Yemen's UN-recognized government says Iran used the flight to transport equipment and experts to the Houthis under the COVID of a funeral delegation. And if you haven't seen it, watch the video of that flight. It's openly available. When the plane enters Yemeni airspace, the Houthis and Iranians on board the plane chant death to America, death to Israel, and a curse upon the Jews. That's the trade, and that's what's happening in plain sight in front of all of us. Tehran provides the planes, the personnel, the technology, and the weapons, and the Houthis provide the launch site and the instability. And this council should never allow commercial shipping to become a hostage negotiation with terrorists. And the Houthis must put down their weapons. Iran must stop supplying them, and every member state should enforce the resolutions that this body has voted for. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of the United States for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Greece.

The President, Greece welcomes the adoption of this resolution, and we extend our sincere appreciation to the United States. States as Compaq holder, and to all members of the council for their constructive engagement. We also thank regional actors for their continuous support and enduring commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, one of the world's most vital maritime corridors for international shipping, global supply chains, and international trade. The Red Sea remains a critical source of livelihood also for the coastal communities and the countries in the region. Since November 2023, when the first attack was launched against the vehicle carrier Galaxy Leader, Houthis have demonstrated both the capability and the intent to carry out unlawful attacks against commercial vessels, all in violation of international law. Stability and trust have yet to be restored in the region. Mr. President, the threat posed by the Houthis' attacks against international shipping and freedom of navigation remains acute. Furthermore, the latest Houthi attacks against the territory of Saudi Arabia, which we strongly condemn, undermine stability and security in the wider region. Greece has repeatedly called out actions which endanger the open, free, and safe passage in this strategically important maritime route and risk the proliferation of the conflict. Maritime security in the Red Sea region needs to be fully restored and safeguarded. The current monthly reporting requirement, which has been extended for a further 6-month period, provides a solid basis for the verification and monitoring of attacks by the Houthis and could be even enhanced to further improve maritime situational awareness on the ground. Greece steadfastly supports the efforts by the international community to safeguard freedom of navigation, maritime security in the Red Sea region through its leading role and operational contribution to the European naval operation ASPIDES. Under its defensive mandate and in full respect of international law, including relevant Security Council resolutions, EU Operation ASPIDES provides vessel protection and escort, enhances maritime situational awareness, and supports capacity-building efforts with regional partners. Protecting freedom of navigation and maritime security is essential to preserving international peace and stability, and remains a collective endeavor and a shared responsibility of all. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Greece. I now give the floor to the representative of France.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, France voted in favor of this resolution 28 to 26, and we welcome its adoption. We thank the United States and Greece for introducing this important text. Why? By extending the Secretary-General's reporting requirement The Council is ensuring that it remains closely informed of these developments in the Red Sea at a time of renewed regional tensions. Regular reporting is essential. It informs and supports the Council's commitment and action in this area. Mr. President, freedom of navigation and maritime security are just as key in the Red Sea as they are in the Strait of Hormuz and must be respected. The Council reiterated this in its Resolution 2722 of 2024. In this regard, the Houthis must bring an end to their threats and refrain from carrying out any further attacks. We wish to take this opportunity to strongly recall this. We did that yesterday and to underscore the obligations on the Houthis with regard to the situation in Yemen or their attitude towards neighboring countries and Israel. France remains fully committed to protecting this vital maritime route, which is so vital for the stability of the region, international trade, and the global economy. To that end, France will continue with its contribution to the EU EUNAVFOR Aspidus operation in full compliance with international law, maintaining a strictly defensive posture and working closely with our European and international partners. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Thank you, France, for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark.

Thank you, Mr. President. Denmark voted in favor of this resolution, and we welcome its adoption. We also commend the penholders, the United States and Greece, for their efforts to ensure a timely renewal. Today's resolution will ensure that the Security Council continues to receive regular reporting on Houthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Dangerous escalations in Yemen and the region in recent days, including reported strikes yesterday by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, underscores the continued relevance of this resolution. Denmark condemns the threat by the Houthis to resume attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and to impose a naval blockade. We strongly urge the Houthis to refrain from dragging Yemen into the broader conflict. As a major maritime nation, Denmark remains committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and the stability of global supply chains in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden for the benefit of global trade and development. We remain firmly committed to safeguarding maritime security, to open sea lanes and protection of seafarers in full accordance with international law. It is essential that the international community continues to uphold the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways. Neither state nor non-state actors can be allowed to take this freedom away. The people of Yemen heavily rely on assurances of safe shipping and navigation through the Red Sea for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid. Any escalations or even threats could significantly disrupt the flow of essential aid into Yemen and have devastating consequences for its population. The Houthis must act in the best interests of the Yemeni people. We believe that credible and lasting security guarantees for the Red Sea region must ultimately be achieved in the context of an inclusive political solution for Yemen that promotes de-escalation, restores trust, and ensures respect for international law. Today's adoption sends a strong signal that the Council remains seized on this important matter. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

President, Latvia also voted in favor of this resolution, and we welcome its adoption. And I would like to thank the penholders, the United States and Greece, for their exemplary work throughout the process. While Houthi attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea have ceased in recent months, the situation remains fragile. Moreover, during the previous reporting mandate, the Houthis have renewed threats against international shipping in the Red Sea, and the latest events, as discussed in Council's meeting yesterday, only confirm the fragility. Therefore, the underlying threat to maritime security in the Red Sea persists, and the risk of renewed attacks continues to require close and sustained attention of the Security Council. In this context, extending the Secretary-General's monthly reporting mandate for an additional 6 months is both prudent and necessary. It will ensure that the Council remains thoroughly informed for the future deliberations, while sending a firm signal of the Council's steadfast scrutiny. At the same time, preventing the flow of weapons remains a key factor in reducing the risk of escalation and protecting one of the world's most critical shipping lanes. To address existing gaps and enable the embargo to achieve its intended purpose, it is essential that Member States follow up on the findings and recommendations of the 2140 Panel of Experts. Without full and coordinated implementation of the arms embargo, it remains ineffective and fails to constrain the Houthis' operational capabilities. Mr. President, the principles of global maritime security are non-negotiable. The exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by commercial vessels in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, must be respected and vessels engaged in lawful activities protected. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Latvia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia.

Thank you, Mr. President. As a littoral nation with deep and abiding ties to the Red Sea, we have voted in support of the Just Adapt resolution, mindful of our shared responsibility for the security and stability of these vital waters. Somalia's vote reflects our enduring commitment to maritime security in the Red Sea, waters that are not only crucial for our region but also essential to global trade and stability. For millennia, Somali ports and Somali sailors have linked Africa to the wider world, carrying goods, culture, and people across this waterway. In this history that grounds our commitment to the freedom of navigation and the peace of the Red Sea with a sense of duty and urgency. Mr. President, today we recognize that challenges in the Red Sea have consequences far beyond its shores and must be understood that the current crises do not exist in isolation. They are closely intertwined with the broader region and international dynamics. The security of the Red Sea is fundamentally linked to the stability of its coastal nations and to the broader peace process that must remain our collective goal. In this regard, Somalia is alarmed by the growing securitization of the Red Sea. What has long been a corridor of commerce and connection risks becoming a theater of foreign rivalry and foreign interest, with little regard for the sovereignty of the region's own coastal states. We caution against any approach to the Red Sea security that silences the very nations whose shores and peoples are most affected. Furthermore, we reject in the clearest terms all external actors who seek to exploit instability in the Horn of Africa For their own strategic gain, Somalia will not accept any action that fuels division or undermines the unity of our nation. In that vein, we reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of Israel's recognition of the secessionist entity in the northwestern region of Somalia, as well as its intention to establish foreign military presence in Somali territories. Somalia reaffirms its inviolability of its sovereignty. And territorial integrity and rejects any external presence or claim of its maritime domain. We urge the international community to reject these actions, which set a dangerous precedent and pose a serious threat to international and to regional and international peace and security. Mr. President, the success of this resolution will depend on the manner in which it's implemented, one that is sensitive to the complex realities on the ground and upholds the sovereignty, territorial integrity of the Red Sea coastal states. Somalia remains committed to constructive engagement. We believe the responsibility of the Red Sea security rests first and foremost with its littoral states, supported by robust international cooperation that respects the legitimate interests of all. The way forward requires patience, wisdom, and shared dedication for diplomatic solutions. We stand ready to work with all parties to ensure the Red Sea remains what it has always been, a bridge of peace and prosperity connecting nations and people for the benefit of all. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Somalia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to express my gratitude to the United States of America and Greece for their efforts in tabling the draft resolution. The adoption by the Security Council of Security Council Resolution 2826 coincides with developments on the ground that underscore the need for UN reports, which are prepared according to Resolution 2722. They document repeated violations of Security Council resolutions by the Houthi— by the Houthis, most recently 2812. We recall Security Council meeting that was held yesterday, as we've witnessed a deliberate and illegal Iranian attack in the region. Houthis threatened to close Bab el-Mandeb Strait and to target the civilian facilities and civilian infrastructure of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its vessels. The Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. President, has expressed its strongest condemnation of the terrorist attacks— terrorist, unjust attacks launched by the Houthi militias. They're using ballistic missiles targeting the southern part of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is a dangerous escalation that was a flagrant violation of international law. Thank you. We commend the efficiency of Saudi air defense systems to intercept these attacks. Our position is firm. We fully support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in all steps it takes to safeguard its sovereignty and security. These threats are dangerous violations of Security Council resolutions, most notably 2722, which stipulated in Article 2 that Houthis must immediately cease all attacks that obstruct international trade and that undermine navigational rights and freedoms and regional peace and security. These threats are violations of international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In conclusion, we stress that these practices that threaten the security of navigation in Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, in the Red Sea, and Iranian attacks that threaten the navigational freedom in the Strait of Hormuz, which are a form of blackmail— all these attacks require the Council to take a very firm stance to ensure navigational security and freedom of passage in maritime corridors. We must ensure the respect of international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to safeguard the peace and security of the region and to serve the interests of all member states.

I thank you.

I thank the representative of Bahrain for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Mr. President, the Russian Federation abstained during the vote on the draft Security Council resolution prepared by the American and Greek colleagues on the technical rollover of Security Council's reporting on attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. We have been consistently stating that there is no value added to the current document in the present regional context. The situation in the Middle East is indeed far from stable. The sharp escalation in the recent days unfortunately did not sidestep Yemen, but the situation in the waters immediately next to the country for a long time has been sufficiently calm. Since December 29th, 2025, there have been recorded no incidents involving commercial vessels in the Red Sea, and the relevant reports state so directly. Let me also recall here that the nature of Security Council Resolution 2722 is rather controversial, and the document for consideration for us today is a logical extension of that. We are convinced that members of the Security Council should pay greater attention to truly relevant issues, issues which directly impact the security and stability of the Middle East region, and this includes revitalizing the stalled intra-Yemeni settlement, which the international community, in the person of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Yemen, Mr. Hans Grunenberg, should give new impetus so as to finally take the Yemeni parties to sustainable peace agreements. In a broader regional context, the Security Council should have a more objective position and do its utmost to help facilitate the political and diplomatic process between the United States and Iran, especially against the background of the escalation of the recent days. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation. I'll now give the floor to the representative of China.

President, China abstained in the voting on the draft resolution that was just put to a vote, reflecting the consistency of China's position. I wish to explain China's vote as follows. First, addressing the Red Sea issue requires respect for international law and the legitimate rights of all nations. The Red Sea is a vital international trade route, and safeguarding the security of its shipping lanes is a shared responsibility. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East are negatively affecting the situation in the Red Sea. This is indeed disturbing. All parties should respect the right of commercial vessels to navigation in the Red Sea under international law and jointly uphold the normal order of international trade. No party should issue threatening statements or take military actions that heighten security risks in the Red Sea. Second, Resolving the Red Sea issue requires respect for Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Following the Council's adoption of Resolution 2722 in January 2024, the U.S. launched military operations against Yemen, severely undermining the country's peace process and exacerbating tensions in the Red Sea. China emphasizes that neither Resolution 2722 Nor the subsequent resolutions extending the reporting mandate authorized the use of force against Yemen. No country should misinterpret or abuse those resolutions. Third, addressing the Red Sea issue requires de-escalation in the wider region. The Palestinian question remains at the core of the Middle East situation. The ceasefire agreement in Gaza has not yet brought about. Genuine peace. We call on all parties concerned, especially Israel, to fully abide by the agreement and achieve a truly lasting peace in Gaza. We also call on the international community to garner consensus, implement the two-state solutions the soonest, and promote a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question. The flare-up of conflict in the Gulf region does not serve anyone's interest. The parties concerned should heed the strong calls from the region and beyond for peace and stability, stay rational, and exercise restraint in order to prevent the expansion and escalation of the war and any harm to the innocent as a result. Just now, the accusations leveled by the representative of the U.S. against China are completely baseless. China firmly opposes and categorically rejects those attacks. China consistently and strictly complies with and implements the Council's resolutions, and has maintained a cautious and responsible attitude regarding the export of military and dual-use items. In accordance with its domestic legal framework and its international obligations, China exercises strict control over such exports. The priority now is for the U.S. to stop creating new conflicts and turmoil in the Middle East. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to respond to My colleague from China, uh, who just stated that our concerns were, quote, baseless. Uh, I just want to be clear for the council and for the record, our concerns about dual-use items fueling Houthi terrorist attacks on civilian shipping in the world, that's not from the United States. Uh, that's according to data from the United Nations. Verification and Inspection Mechanism. I say again, this is according to data from the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism cited and briefed to this council that more than 70% of the prohibited or restricted dual-use items seized between January 2025 and April 2026 originated in China. Again, that's according to the UN's data. So we've simply raised concerns. It's not an accusation. It's not hostility. It's just simply concerns before this council in line with the UN's own data provided to this council that China-based individuals and/or entities supplying dual-use components and satellite imagery to Iran and the Houthis are capabilities that, of course, have civilian uses, but also have been used to threaten our partners, civilian aircraft, and commercial shipping. And we call upon all member states to enforce the tenets of the resolutions that this council votes upon in accordance with data provided by the United Nations. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of the United States for this new statement. The representative of China has asked for a statement. For the statement, you have the floor.

President, China takes note of the statement made by the representative of the U.S. Reviewing the situation in Yemen and in the Red Sea over the past 2 years, an apparent conclusion is that the U.S. has irrefutable responsibility over the current situation in Yemen and the Red Sea. This is a fact. It is the U.S. that is obstructing the efforts of the Council to end hostility and allow the protraction of the crisis in Gaza and the expansion of the tensions. Without the authorization of the Security Council and amidst the negotiation between the U.S. and Iran, the U.S. launched military attacks against Iran, once again plunging the situation of the region into a dangerous precipice. The U.S. should reflect upon its own actions and take concrete measures to eliminate the negative impact of its actions and its rhetorics, and make constructive efforts for the lasting peace in Yemen and in the Red Sea, instead of trying to smear other countries and shifting blames. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for his statement. I can see that the United States would like to take the floor. You have the floor for the last time.

Thank you, Mr. President, and I appreciate the notice. I will not call for the floor again, but I think it's worth just stating that, again, for the record, that we have been citing UN data today that is previously been briefed before this council according to the UN's own mechanism. But in terms of the broader statement from my colleague from China on, on US efforts and whether they are constructive, I would certainly put President Trump's 20-point peace plan endorsed by dozens of leaders at Sharm el-Sheikh, further endorsed by this council, in terms of Resolution 2803 in the bucket of constructive diplomacy. I would certainly put the recent talks and the MOU in the category of constructive diplomacy. I would certainly put the trilateral mechanism between the United States, Lebanon, and Israel in the realm of constructive diplomacy. And I would just bring this conversation back to the point of this resolution. which is calling upon the Secretary-General to continue to report on Houthi terrorist attacks on an international waterway. And I am struggling to understand why it's offensive in any way for us to call upon all member states to interdict, to intercept, to control to the extent they possibly can dual-use items that fuel Houthi terrorism in line with the UN's own data. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of the United States for their statement. And I know— I can see that the representative of China would like to take the floor again, and I give it to you for the last time.

Thank you, President. China strictly implements relevant council resolutions and its own international obligations. China rejects the baseless accusations leveled by the U.S. We urge the U.S. side to reflect on itself and make concrete efforts for the lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Panama.

Thank you, Mr. President. We wish to express our sincere thanks to the United States mission and particularly to the mission of Greece for their steadfast commitment to promoting maritime security throughout their mandate as a Security Council member, decisively contributing to keeping this topic among some of the priorities on the Security Council's agenda. We reiterate to them our profound recognition and thanks for their leadership and dedication. Excellencies, The renewal of this resolution should not be seen as a response to a specific scenario; rather, a response to a much broader difficulty which is affecting not only maritime navigation but also all global supply chains in international commerce. The right to freedom of navigation has year by year been progressively eroded due to. Threats coming from non-state actors and also some states. We cannot allow violence, coercion, the use of force to condition transit through maritime— essential maritime routes that are so essential for global economic stability. This reality means that we must step up our efforts to strengthen respect for international law and to guarantee the safety of maritime routes. While the efforts of this council have not always been sufficient or fully implemented, we maintain a steadfast belief that only through this body and through diplomacy will we be able to reach sustainable, lasting solutions to address these common challenges. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Panama for the statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.