UN: United States delegation exits Security Council meeting in protest of French criticism. On Monday, the American delegation walked out of the chamber as the French ambassador began speaking, condemning France’s “hypocritical” remarks. France had previously equated Washington with North Korea and Russia following a crucial vote on human rights. Last Friday, the United States was among ten nations in the General Assembly to vote against renewing the four-year term of Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The French mission to the United Nations in Geneva had stated on X, “The United States was once a model for human rights. This is no longer the case. Today, they find themselves alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali, and Russia. Isolated. And the world no longer listens to them.” Such an exit from a Security Council session by a member nation is an uncommon occurrence. An official familiar with the situation indicated the American delegation was caught off guard by France’s “frontal” public attack.
Romania expels Russian embassy official following repeated drone incursions. The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Monday that Russia’s Ambassador to Romania, Vladimir Lipaev, was informed of Bucharest’s decision to declare a particular individual “persona non grata,” requiring them to depart the country within five days. On Monday, fragments of a Shahed-type drone, deployed by the Russian military against Ukraine and reportedly shot down by a Romanian F-16 fighter jet, were presented to the ambassador. Bucharest had intercepted three drones over a three-day period late last week, with an additional incursion reported on Monday. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs vehemently rejected these “unfounded accusations,” characterizing them as “another propaganda spectacle.” They further stated that “the baseless expulsion of a Russian diplomat will not go unanswered.”
Saudi Arabia reports drone attack originating from Iraq. While a fragile calm held between the United States and Iran for a third consecutive day on Monday, the Saudi Ministry of Defense asserted that “Iran-backed terrorist militias” had targeted its national territory. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the alleged attack. Meanwhile, the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen declared on Monday that they had targeted Saudi oil infrastructure, a claim which Saudi Arabia has yet to confirm. Riyadh, a key supporter of the Yemeni government, and the Houthi forces resumed hostilities on July 13th, breaking a four-year truce. On July 20th, the Yemeni rebels announced their intention to blockade maritime traffic in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden for vessels traveling to or from Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading crude oil exporter. The group’s actions are understood to be aimed at supporting its main ally, Iran, while also pressuring Saudi Arabia and the international community to make political concessions concerning Yemen. Analysts express genuine concern that the conflict in the country could escalate significantly once more.
Chad announces withdrawal from the International Criminal Court. N’Djamena justified its decision on Monday by citing the ICC’s perceived disproportionate focus on African nations. The Chadian government criticized that out of the 13 investigations launched by the Court since its inception, nine “involve African states, compared to only four initiated in other global regions.” This move, impacting African politics and governance Africa, appears to have been influenced by the United States. During a telephone conversation last Thursday with Chad’s foreign minister, Frank Garcia, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, reportedly urged Chad to reconsider its ICC membership. The United States initiated a significant diplomatic offensive against the ICC in mid-July, viewing it as a nemesis that “threatens” Americans, promising new sanctions and encouraging its allies to withdraw.
