The United Nations witnessed an unusual diplomatic clash as the US delegation walked out of a UN Security Council session in protest. The move followed sharp criticism from the French ambassador, who accused Washington of aligning with North Korea and Russia over a contentious vote on human rights mandates. On Friday, the US had voted against renewing the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ mandate for another four years, a decision France called “hypocritical” and emblematic of America’s shifting stance on global rights standards.
Romania takes firm stance against Russian drone incursions
Bucharest has ordered the expulsion of a Russian embassy official after multiple drone breaches over its airspace. The move came after Romanian fighter jets intercepted three drones in three days, including a Shahed-type model used by Moscow in its Ukraine war. Fragments of the downed drone were presented to the Russian ambassador, Vladimir Lipaev, who was informed of the “undesirable” status imposed by the Romanian foreign ministry. The Kremlin dismissed the accusations as “unfounded propaganda”, warning of retaliatory measures.
Saudi Arabia faces drone attacks amid regional tensions
Riyadh reported an unclaimed drone strike targeting its territory, allegedly launched from Iraq by “Iran-backed militant groups”. The incident occurred as US-Iran tensions briefly eased for a third consecutive day. Meanwhile, Yemeni Houthi rebels—linked to Tehran—claimed responsibility for targeting Saudi oil infrastructure, though Riyadh has not confirmed these reports. The rebels, who resumed hostilities with Saudi Arabia in July after a four-year truce, have also threatened to block maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to pressure Riyadh into political concessions.
Chad withdraws from the International Criminal Court
N’Djamena announced its decision to leave the International Criminal Court, citing what it described as the court’s “unfair focus on African nations”. Of the 13 investigations opened by the ICC since its inception, nine have targeted African states, a disparity the Chadian government condemned. Reports suggest Washington may have influenced this move, with US officials reportedly urging Chad to reconsider its ICC membership during recent diplomatic exchanges. The US has intensified its opposition to the ICC, accusing it of “threatening” American sovereignty and imposing new sanctions on the court.
