Statement by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir,
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations
United Nations Security Council 10169th Meeting (resumed), 
Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East: 
Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace
10 June 2026

Mr. President,

Let me begin by congratulating Columbia on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council and thanking you for convening this open debate. I express my appreciation to the Secretary-General for his important statement. He raised several points that we hope will command broad agreement, especially on the importance of the United Nations good offices in mediating and mitigating of the effects of conflict in the Middle East region.

Mr. President,

The Middle East is experiencing multiple, often interconnected, conflicts across the region. These conflicts not only fuel instability within the whole region itself, but also have far reaching consequences undermining political, economic and social stability around the world.

In the absence of peaceful resolution, we are left with confronting the devastating consequences of these conflicts: the loss of life, destruction and humanitarian needs. We are also facing higher energy and food prices, along with the resulting insecurity and destabilizing effects it has across the globe, especially on its poorest regions.

We reiterate our condemnation of attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, emergency workers and UN peacekeepers and staff, remindful of the solemn memorial service last Monday. All parties to conflict must adhere to international humanitarian law.

Mr. President,

Let me begin with Palestine, where the situation in Gaza remains unacceptable and the promise of resolution 2803 unfulfilled. Greater efforts are needed to deliver the peace and relief it pledged for Palestinians in Gaza. Humanitarian access remains severely restricted, with Israel continuing to impede the delivery of much needed aid and the work of UN agencies and key international non-governmental organizations. Rather than implementing stages of withdrawal, Israeli forces, by their own admission, are occupying a larger territory of Gaza today they did at the outset of the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, the situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate. Settler violence and impunity is fuelled and enabled by inflammatory rhetoric and permissive policy by Israeli authorities. Under these dire circumstances, calls for a Two-State Solution may almost seem futile, but it still remains the only viable path to sustainable peace and security.

In Lebanon, the civilian population is once again the victim of vicious warfare between Israel and Hezbollah. We reiterate that Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must be respected and call for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). This includes withdrawing Israeli forces from South Lebanon. It is essential to build on the progress achieved under the current - albeit fragile – ceasefire agreement, in order to advance toward lasting peace and stability. This is in Israel’s, as well as Lebanon’s, best interest.

Syria after fourteen years of civil war, has emerged as a beacon of hope in the region. However, the road of peacebuilding, recovery and reconstruction is long and winding, and Syria will need sustained support from the international community and the UN. There is no shortage of challenges and potential threats, from within and from outside. Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must also be respected.

In Yemen we see just how costly and devastating relapses in peace processes are for a population in dire need.  
We have welcomed efforts to extend the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and continue to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Regrettably, recent developments have moved in the opposite direction, with resumption of conflict further undermining prospects for de-escalation and dialogue. This is deeply concerning.

Iran’s continued obstruction to freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable and must stop. It not only presents a direct threat to the region but world energy markets and global food security. International law, including law of the sea and maritime law, must be respected.

Mr. President,

Iceland was one of the 136 Member States that co-sponsored resolution 2817 three months ago. We lament the Council’s inability to take further decisive action on the matter.
The Council remains deeply divided on several of the beforementioned conflicts. Its inability to respond appropriately has meant states or regional organizations have in some cases filled the void, often unsuccessfully. The use or the threat of use of the veto power has in certain cases reinforced the impasse and obstructed its resolve.

We should expect more from this Council. All its members must live up to their fundamental responsibility to maintain peace and security. In the Middle East region, as elsewhere.

Thank you.