USG DiCarlo briefs Council on Iran sanctions snapback and divisions over resolution 2231

Briefing the Security Council on 23 December, Under-Secretary-General (USG) Rosemary DiCarlo outlined developments following the re-application of Iran sanctions under resolution 2231 (2015) noted that the sanctions were reinstated on 27 September after the Council did not adopt a resolution to continue the termination of measures. USG DiCarlo highlighted findings by the IAEA that Iran has exceeded the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) limits and that the Agency lacks information on current enriched uranium stockpiles. Despite deep divisions, she underscored that all parties continue to stress the importance of a diplomatic solution, noting that a negotiated settlement remains the best path to ensuring a peaceful Iranian nuclear programme.  

ASG Khiari cautions Council on rising US–Venezuela tensions and risks to regional stability

On 23 December, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari briefed the Council on Venezuela. He warned that increased United States military operations in the Southern Caribbean have heightened tensions with Venezuela, raising concerns about regional stability and respect for international law. He noted continued US strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, which authorities report have killed more than 100 people, and cited the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ warning that such airstrikes may violate international human rights law. Calling for restraint and de-escalation, ASG Khiari underscored that dialogue and diplomatic engagement remain essential to preventing further instability and human suffering.

ASG Khiari warns drone strikes and arms flows are fueling Sudan’s war

Briefing the Council on 22 December, ASG Khiari warned that Sudan’s conflict has intensified, driven by indiscriminate drone strikes, unchecked arms flows and expanding regional spillover. He highlighted escalating violence in the Kordofan region, including the capture of key towns and oil infrastructure, tightening sieges and cross-border movements involving Sudan and South Sudan. ASG Khiari condemned drone attacks that have killed civilians, including children, and noted recent strikes that killed six UN peacekeepers serving with UNISFA. Calling for accountability and de-escalation, he urged the Council to send a clear, united message that those who enable this war will be held accountable. “We look to the Council to use all the tools at its disposal to demand peace, protect civilians and ensure accountability for violations of international law,” he said.

Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen co-chairs Supervisory Committee meeting on conflict-related detainee releases

On 23 December, the parties to the conflict in Yemen concluded a twelve-day meeting in Muscat, agreeing on a new phase of releasing conflict-related detainees from all sides. The talks were held under the Supervisory Committee on the Implementation of the Detainees’ Release Agreement, co-chaired by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Welcoming the outcome, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Hans Grundberg underscored the humanitarian importance of progress on detainee releases and thanked the Sultanate of Oman for hosting the meeting and supporting mediation efforts. He stressed that effective implementation will require continued cooperation by the parties, regional support and sustained efforts to build on this progress toward further releases.

UNMHA marks completion of QIP supporting youth and women’s livelihoods in Hudaydah

On 24 December, United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) marked the closure of a Quick Impact Project supporting inclusive economic recovery for conflict-affected youth and women in Hudaydah governorate. Implemented by Humanity & Inclusion in Hays and Al-Khawkha, the project benefited 25 participants, including persons with disabilities, youth and women-headed households. Participants received vocational training in sewing, beauty services and mobile phone repair, along with start-up kits equipped with solar backups to support sustainable, off-grid livelihoods. Local authorities joined the closure ceremony, where certificates were awarded, reflecting strong community engagement and local ownership. UNMHA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusive livelihoods and community recovery across Hudaydah.

SRSG Al-Hassan meets KRG President Barzani as UNAMI mandate nears conclusion

On 23 December in Erbil, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al-Hassan met with the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, as UNAMI’s mandate approaches its conclusion. The discussion reviewed years of cooperation between the United Nations and the Regional Government, including UNAMI’s role in supporting stability, dialogue and coordination with relevant institutions. 

UN Libya Youth Working Group convenes first joint coordination meeting in Tripoli

The United Nations Libya Youth Working Group convened its first joint coordination meeting in Tripoli with the House of Representatives’ Sustainable Development Goals Committee and the Ministry of Youth, bringing together UN agencies, parliamentarians and national institutions. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation to advance youth participation and address young people’s priorities, including youth-friendly legislation, data-driven policymaking, skills development, innovation and green initiatives. 

Austria contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal 

This week, DPPA thanks the Government of Austria for its contribution of EUR 400,000 to the Department’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA). The MYA is DPPA’s voluntary funding mechanism, enabling flexible, rapid support for preventive diplomacy, mediation and other core priorities. Austria’s contribution will support our work in Ukraine and the Middle East. 

Next Week

Somalia will commence its Presidency of the Security Council for January 2026.

This Week in DPPA will resume on 9 January 2026.