Yemen. The UN Special Envoy has warned the Security Council that Yemen has entered a new and more dangerous phase. The Houthis have taken the Red Sea port of Mokha, near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, and attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have resumed. The FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen.
Iran. The Security Council is deadlocked over whether UN sanctions on Iran are back in force under the snapback mechanism. France, Germany, the UK and the United States say they are; Russia and China reject that and are blocking the sanctions committee, leaving the oversight position contested after a procedural vote of 11 in favour, 2 against and 2 abstentions.
Counter-terrorism. Today, 11 September 2026, marks 25 years since the 2001 attacks in New York. The Security Council's September programme sets out a thematic counter-terrorism session to mark the anniversary, renew momentum on counter-terrorism and consider the impact of new technology.
Threat levels. The UK national terrorism threat level remains SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely. The threat to Northern Ireland from Northern Ireland related terrorism is SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely.
