UN Security Council is in the news for failing to pass a resolution on the Hormuz Strait, amid rising tensions over Iran, Gulf conflicts, and global peace threats.
El Salvador's prison system, notably the CECOT, has become a model for other Latin American countries seeking to combat organized crime and gangs. Chile's government is studying El Salvador's approach, including its heavy-handed detention methods, amid regional efforts to address rising violence and gang activity.
Since late January 2026, Pakistan's security forces have launched Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 in Balochistan following coordinated attacks by the separatist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The operation has killed over 200 militants, with significant casualties among civilians and security personnel. Pakistan accuses India and Afghanistan of backing the insurgents, allegations both countries deny. The insurgency targets security forces, civilians, and Chinese interests in the resource-rich province.
Since the October 2025 US-brokered ceasefire, Gaza remains volatile with over 570 Palestinians killed amid ongoing Israeli strikes and militant attacks. A US-led peace plan aims to demilitarize Hamas and establish technocratic governance, but progress stalls as Israel restricts Gaza access and Hamas resists disarmament. The Rafah crossing partially reopened, yet reconstruction and security remain unresolved.
Joint Arab condemnation of cross-border attacks exposes Baghdad's failure to control armed proxies on its soil.
The US has publicly accused China of conducting nuclear explosive tests, including preparations for tests with yields in the hundreds of tons, amid the expiration of the US-Russia New START treaty. The US claims China used decoupling to hide activities, raising concerns over nuclear transparency and arms control.
On February 16, 2026, Israel approved restarting land registration in Area C of the West Bank for the first time since 1967, enabling state registration of land and easing Jewish land purchases. The move, led by far-right ministers, is widely condemned by Palestinians, Arab states, and international bodies as de facto annexation and a violation of international law, intensifying tensions and threatening the two-state solution.
Israel announced new measures allowing greater control over the West Bank, including land purchases by Israelis and management of religious sites. Several Muslim-majority countries condemned the move, calling it illegal and a step toward annexation. The UN and Palestinian authorities expressed grave concern, warning of destabilization and the erosion of a two-state solution. The measures do not require further approval and are set to impact property rights and governance in Palestinian territories.
Lebanese authorities report Israeli forces sprayed herbicide glyphosate along the border, causing environmental and health concerns. Samples show high concentrations, and Lebanon plans to escalate the issue internationally. The incident follows ongoing tensions and previous Israeli actions in the region.
Former US President Donald Trump announced a new international peace body, the 'Board of Peace,' aiming to oversee Gaza's reconstruction and global crises. Indonesia commits up to 8,000 troops for Gaza, with pledges exceeding $5 billion. The initiative faces skepticism from allies and questions over disarmament and international cooperation.
On February 24, 2026, Israel's recent approval of land registration in the West Bank's Area C, allowing reclassification of Palestinian land as Israeli state property and facilitating settler purchases, has drawn widespread international condemnation. Over 80 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and European powers, denounce these moves as de facto annexation violating international law and threatening the two-state solution.
The UN reports a surge in civilian deaths and war crimes in Sudan's ongoing conflict, with over 11,300 civilians killed in 2025. Human rights violations, including ethnic violence and sexual violence, have intensified amid fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF. Recent sanctions target RSF commanders involved in atrocities.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked and seized the town of Misteriha in North Darfur, killing at least 28 and displacing nearly 2,700. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has caused thousands of deaths and widespread displacement, with recent violence intensifying tribal tensions and humanitarian crises.
Melania Trump made history as the first spouse of a world leader to chair a UN Security Council meeting, focusing on children, technology, and education amid ongoing conflicts and recent reports of violence in Iran. The event highlights U.S. diplomatic efforts and the global importance of education in conflict zones.
Since April 2023, Sudan's war between the army and RSF has caused tens of thousands of deaths, displaced 11 million, and worsened a severe humanitarian crisis. Both sides reject ceasefires, with widespread violence, atrocities, and drone attacks intensifying. International efforts to broker peace have stalled.
The UN Security Council convened on Saturday amid escalating tensions after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, prompting Iran's retaliation and regional instability. Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations, while Iran accused the US and Israel of illegal aggression. European nations urged diplomacy to prevent wider conflict.
European leaders met in Brussels to condemn Iran's missile and drone strikes on Gulf countries, calling for de-escalation. The talks occurred amid rising regional tensions following US-Israeli attacks on Iran, with European nations preparing to defend their interests and allies in the region.
Iran has intensified drone and missile strikes targeting Gulf countries, including Qatar and the UAE, amid ongoing US-Israeli military actions. Qatar reports ongoing civilian attacks, while regional leaders prepare for further escalation. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but regional stability remains fragile.
Recent border clashes and airstrikes have led to the deadliest conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan in months. Pakistan claims targeted military sites, while Afghanistan reports civilian casualties at a hospital hit in Kabul. Both sides accuse each other of escalation, with ongoing regional instability and civilian suffering.
Saudi Arabia has urged the US to lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Iran's allies, including the Houthi rebels, could close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital alternative shipping route. The UAE is lobbying the UN for a military resolution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating Iranian attacks. Oil prices remain elevated as regional tensions disrupt key maritime trade routes.
Gaza mediators report serious negotiations on a disarmament plan involving Hamas and armed groups, with a focus on weapons decommissioning, police reform, and phased Israeli troop withdrawal. The proposal, supported by the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, is awaiting Hamas's response amid regional tensions.
On March 23-24, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced a five-day pause on planned strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure, citing "very good and productive" talks with Iranian officials. Trump named envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as negotiators. Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf denied any negotiations, calling US claims "fake news." The US-Iran conflict continues with Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
Multiple senior Iranian military figures, including IRGC commanders, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes over the past days. The strikes targeted Iran's naval and intelligence leadership, with Iran confirming the deaths of Alireza Tangsiri and others. The conflict has escalated with missile attacks and infrastructure damage across the region.
Iran's parliament has approved legislation to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, citing sovereignty and security concerns. The move follows Iran's disruption of maritime traffic since the start of the US-Israeli conflict, with some vessels still crossing under Iranian control. The US and other nations oppose the toll plan.
The UN Security Council has failed to pass a Bahrain-sponsored resolution that authorizes defensive measures to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Russia and China vetoed the resolution despite 11 votes in favor. The resolution aimed to ensure safe navigation amid Iran's blockade, which has disrupted global oil supplies and raised energy prices.
The UN reports a surge in violence against humanitarian workers from 2023 to 2025, with over 1,010 killed globally. Despite resolutions calling for protection, aid staff face restrictions, detention, and targeted attacks, highlighting a collapse in international safeguards during ongoing conflicts.
Multiple countries have expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian and security situation in Lebanon. Israel has intensified air and ground operations following Hezbollah missile attacks, resulting in over 2,000 deaths and 1.2 million displaced. UN peacekeepers have been killed, prompting calls for increased protection and a ceasefire.
On April 10-11, 2026, Mali's transitional government withdrew recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This move aligns Mali with Morocco and the US-backed UN Security Council resolution, deepening regional divides with Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front seeking independence for Western Sahara.
Security efforts in Haiti have slowed gang advances but remain fragile, with gangs adapting to drone strikes and expanding into remote areas. Meanwhile, Kenya faces rising politically linked gangs targeting leaders and disrupting public order, prompting urgent calls for legislative action and security reforms.
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado has visited Spain, meeting with opposition figures and avoiding talks with the government. She has received a warm welcome from conservative leaders, highlighting divisions within Venezuelan politics and contrasting her approach with that of the Spanish government, which emphasizes democratic sovereignty.