UN Security Council
Structure, Powers, and the Veto
The UN Security Council (UNSC) is the primary organ of the United Nations responsible for international peace and security under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. It has 15 members — 5 permanent (P5: USA, UK, France, Russia, China) with veto power, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The UNSC can mandate peacekeeping operations, impose sanctions, and authorise the use of force — its resolutions under Chapter VII are legally binding on all UN member states.
- Any P5 member can veto a resolution, preventing its adoption regardless of support from the other 14 members.
- A force to protect Hormuz shipping would require a Chapter VII resolution; Russia and China, both sympathetic to Iran's position, were potential veto obstacles.
- The "Uniting for Peace" resolution (UNGA Resolution 377) can bypass a UNSC veto to convene an Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly, though General Assembly resolutions are non-binding.
- Iran is not a UNSC member and has no direct vote, making its influence in this instance purely diplomatic and coercive.
● Tracked since February 27, 2026 · last seen August 26, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
23 May '26
Ukrainian strike on college in Russian-occupied town kills 18: officials
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21 Apr '26
Resolution 47 on Kashmir: When India ran into ‘power politics’ at the UN
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03 Apr '26
Iran warns UN Security Council against ‘provocative action’ on Hormuz
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12 Mar '26
India co-sponsors resolution passed by UNSC condemning Iran attacks on Gulf
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04 Mar '26
Russia, China object to U.S. UNSC Presidency's Programme of Work over Iran
International Relations
03 Mar '26
Watch: School attack sparks global alarm as UN calls for accountability
International Relations
Plus 1 earlier mentions since February 27, 2026.
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