The United Kingdom addressed the United Nations Security Council in New York on 15 January 2026 through a statement delivered by its Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Archie Young.
The statement, issued on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, set out the UK’s condemnation of the Iranian regime’s response to public protests and referenced reports of killings, arrests, and restrictions on communications.
Introduction
The address was delivered during a formal Security Council meeting focused on developments in Iran, following briefings from UN officials and invited speakers.
UK officials outlined their position on the protection of fundamental rights and the role of international coordination, including engagement with partners through diplomatic channels.
Statement Delivered at the United Nations
The UK’s statement was delivered during a formal session of the UN Security Council in New York, with Ambassador Archie Young representing the UK government. The address was made as part of a meeting that included briefings from UN officials and invited speakers on developments in Iran.
The statement outlined the UK’s official position and placed the issue within the Council’s broader role in discussing international peace, security, and human rights. It was presented as a formal diplomatic intervention on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
UK Condemnation of Iranian Authorities’ Actions
The UK condemned the actions of the Iranian regime in response to public protests, citing reports that potentially thousands of people had been killed and many more arrested. The statement referred to restrictions on internet access and the emergence of videos indicating the scale of events.
The address rejected claims that the protests were instigated by foreign actors and described the reported actions as part of a pattern of repression. The UK framed its remarks as a clear and direct condemnation delivered in the Council chamber.
- Reported killings and arrests
- Internet restrictions
- Rejection of foreign interference claims
Human Rights and Public Protest
The statement highlighted the right of people in Iran to protest without fear of violence or repression, with specific reference to the role of Iranian women in demonstrations. The UK acknowledged the expressions of public aspiration for freedom and dignity.
The address called on Iranian authorities to protect civilians rather than use force, and placed these remarks within the UK’s broader focus on fundamental rights and freedoms. The comments were framed as a reaffirmation of established international standards.
- Right to protest
- Protection of civilians
- Recognition of public participation
International Coordination and Diplomatic Messaging
The UK referenced coordination with international partners, including statements made alongside French and German counterparts and engagement through the G7. The address noted that the UK had delivered its message directly to Iran’s Foreign Minister.
The statement indicated that additional measures could be considered in coordination with partners if Iran did not change course. The UK also referred to continued efforts to counter misinformation and support regional peace and security through diplomatic channels.
UN Security Council Session Overview
| Date and Location | 15 January 2026, United Nations Headquarters, New York. |
| UK Representative | Ambassador Archie Young, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations. |
UK Diplomatic Engagement Summary
| International Coordination | References to engagement with G7 partners and alignment with French and German counterparts. |
| Direct Communication | Message delivered to Iran’s Foreign Minister through diplomatic channels. |
Stakeholder Comments
Ministerial Comments
Ambassador Archie Young, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations said;
“We condemn the regime’s actions in the strongest possible terms. We pay tribute to the courage of the Iranian people, particularly Iranian women, who are voicing their aspirations to live in freedom and dignity.”
“Iranian authorities must protect their people, not brutalise them, and we urge Iran to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of its people, including the right to protest without fear of violence or repression.”
The Takeaway
The UK’s address to the UN Security Council set out its position on reports of repression linked to public protests in Iran and reaffirmed its call for the protection of fundamental rights. The statement also referenced coordination with international partners and ongoing diplomatic engagement.
UK officials indicated that monitoring and communication through multilateral forums would continue as part of their approach to regional stability and international cooperation.
Sources: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Archie Young CMG.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
