Greece takes over UN Security Council presidency amid Ukraine, Gaza, Iran crises

Greece assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council on 1 October 2026, taking over from France for the second time during its 2025-2026 elected term. The presidency will be led by Greece's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Aglaia Balta, who will chair meetings, direct the body's programme of work and represent the Council externally. Athens inherits an exceptionally crowded agenda. Priority files include the war in Ukraine, where diplomats are seeking fresh openings for talks; the fragile post-October 2025 Gaza ceasefire, which the UN describes as holding only tenuously; and the crisis around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz following months of military escalation. During October, Greece will also oversee the critical early stage of the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General, building consensus among the fifteen Council members. The Greek Foreign Ministry said Athens would use its presidency to promote international law, maritime security and the protection of civilians in conflict. The United States and other Western capitals quickly congratulated Greece on taking the chair.