UNAMI was established in 2003 following the fall of Saddam Hussein and has supported Iraq through political transition, post-conflict recovery, and the horrors of ISIL, also known as Da’esh. Its mandate concludes on 31 December.

Mr. Guterres said the progress made by the Iraqi people in recent years is a source of inspiration.

“We recognize that today, as we close one chapter of the history of the United Nations and Iraq — and open another.”

‘A country at peace’

The Secretary-General hailed the courage, fortitude and determination of the Iraqi people who overcame decades of violence, oppression, war, terrorism, sectarianism and foreign interference.

“Against all odds, the Iraqi people never wavered in your commitment to build a peaceful, inclusive society based on the rule of law and democratic institutions,” he said.

He pointed to milestones achieved over the past two decades, including the drafting of the 2005 Constitution, multiple national elections, and the territorial defeat of the terrorist group Da’esh, also known as ISIL.

Today, Iraq is “a country at peace with increased security and a clear determination to win the battle of development.” 

UN Mission’s role

“UNAMI was honoured and humbled to walk side-by-side with the Iraqi people,” he said, noting that the Mission had advised successive governments and parliaments on judicial and legal reforms, promoted human rights, and supported civic space for women, youth and minorities.

Furthermore, when Da’esh seized large parts of Iraqi territory, UNAMI helped mobilize and coordinate support to protect civilians and millions of displaced persons.

The mission worked to promote inclusive, political dialogue and national reconciliation.  It also helped ensure the safe return of millions of displaced people, including returnees from al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria and members of the Yazidi minority community who suffered abuse and violence at the hands of Da’esh.

Tribute to staff

The Secretary-General saluted all UNAMI staff and paid tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack on the mission’s headquarters on 19 August 2003. The bombing killed 22 personnel and injured over 100.

“It is deeply moving for us to be joined by some of the survivors and victims’ families,” he said.

“We honour the memory and legacy of them all — including Sérgio Vieira de Mello, the first Special Representative to lead the Mission.”

He also expressed gratitude to the Mission’s national staff members “who worked year in and year out to rebuild and strengthen their country.”

An ‘enduring partnership’

The Secretary-General concluded his remarks by highlighting his meeting that day with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani where he reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to support Iraq as it continues strengthening institutions, governance and accountability; improving public services; and diversifying the economy.

“I emphasized that while a mission may conclude, the United Nations will always walk alongside the people of Iraq on the path toward peace, sustainable development and human rights,” he said.

Mr. Guterres was especially touched that the Government has dedicated a street in Baghdad as ‘UN Street.’  This represents “a powerful symbol of our enduring partnership — a reminder of the road we have travelled together, and the road that still lies ahead,” he said.

“It is important that the whole of the international community understands that today is a new chapter. Relations between Iraq and the United Nations will be normal relations,” he added.

The Secretary-General assured Iraqis that “the United Nations will continue to be with you every step of the way.”

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has issued the most explicit warning yet from any Japanese leader regarding a potential Chinese assault on Taiwan, declaring that such an attack would directly threaten Japan’s national survival and could trigger Tokyo’s right to collective self-defense. Her comments have set off the most serious diplomatic confrontation between China and Japan since the 2012 Senkaku Islands crisis, sharply escalating tensions in East Asia.

Takaichi’s remarks, delivered during a parliamentary session earlier this month, revolved around a hypothetical Chinese naval blockade or full-scale invasion of Taiwan — scenarios she called a “survival-threatening situation.” The phrasing was deliberate: under Japan’s 2015 security legislation, a “survival-threatening situation” activates the country’s right to collective self-defense, meaning the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) could legally join military operations alongside allies, including the United States, to repel aggression.

Although Takaichi did not explicitly state that Japan would commit forces to fight China, the implication was unmistakable — and unprecedented.

Beijing reacted with fury, accusing Tokyo of making “reckless, dangerous and irresponsible statements.” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a sharp rebuke on November 23, stating, “It is shocking that Japan’s current leaders have publicly sent the wrong signal of attempting military intervention in the Taiwan issue, said things they shouldn’t have said, and crossed a red line that should not have been touched.”

China, which considers self-ruled Taiwan a breakaway province, insists that any foreign military involvement in the Taiwan issue amounts to interference in its internal affairs. Beijing has vowed to achieve reunification — by force if necessary.

China escalated the diplomatic row by formally protesting at the United Nations. In a letter, China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong warned that “if Japan dares to attempt an armed intervention in the cross-Strait situation, it would be an act of aggression. China will resolutely exercise its right of self-defense under the UN Charter and international law and firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Tokyo has refused to retract or soften Takaichi’s comments. She has, however, declined to elaborate further on what specific Chinese actions would activate Japan’s collective-defense posture, maintaining strategic ambiguity.

In retaliation, China has announced the suspension of Japanese seafood imports — a move that Tokyo officials called “entirely political.” Beijing simultaneously stepped up military activities near Japanese territory. Chinese military drones flew near Yonaguni Island, Japan’s westernmost outpost located just 110 kilometers east of Taiwan, while Chinese Coast Guard vessels entered waters surrounding the contested Senkaku Islands over the weekend.

These actions, analysts say, represent China’s attempt to apply pressure while demonstrating its ability to challenge Japan’s territorial defenses.

The escalating crisis took a surprising turn on November 24 when Chinese President Xi Jinping placed a rare call to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging Washington to help “safeguard the post-WWII international order.” Notably, Xi did not directly mention Taiwan in China’s official readout, but the timing left little doubt as to the call’s context.

Takaichi also spoke with Trump within hours of Xi’s call. She later stated that she discussed relations with China but offered no details. Trump himself remained conspicuously silent on Taiwan; his Truth Social post after speaking with Xi did not address the Taiwan issue, fueling speculation that Washington is trying to preserve flexibility as tensions escalate between its two most powerful counterparts in Asia.

This ambiguity aligns with Trump’s previous remarks. During his meeting with Xi last month, he told reporters the issue of Taiwan “did not come up” — a statement widely interpreted as an effort to avoid locking the U.S. into firm public commitments while maintaining leverage.

Japan’s geographic proximity to Taiwan makes any cross-Strait conflict uniquely dangerous for Tokyo. Taiwan lies a mere 110 km from Yonaguni Island and just 170 km from the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands. A Chinese naval blockade, missile strike, or amphibious assault on Taiwan would bring PLA forces directly into Japan’s defense perimeter, and Japanese territory could easily come under accidental or deliberate fire.

Moreover, roughly 95% of Japan’s crude oil imports — lifeblood for the world’s third-largest economy — transit the waters between Taiwan and the Philippines. A Taiwan crisis could choke off these supply lines, inflicting immediate economic devastation.

For Japan, Taiwan’s fate is therefore inseparable from its own national security.

The strategic rationale is further reinforced by the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty. Article V commits the United States to defend Japan if attacked, and in exchange, Washington maintains major military bases on Japanese soil. Any Chinese assault that endangered U.S. forces stationed in Japan — or targeted Japan’s southwest islands — would automatically draw the U.S. into combat, pulling Japan in with it.

Japan’s potential involvement in a Taiwan conflict has been extensively studied by military analysts. A landmark 2023 wargame conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), titled The First Battle of the Next War, simulated 24 scenarios involving a Chinese invasion of Taiwan in 2026.

The results were grim: tens of thousands of casualties on all sides, the sinking of multiple U.S. aircraft carriers, and the near-destruction of China’s modernized PLA Navy. While the U.S. and its allies would likely prevail, the victory would be costly, and the regional balance of power would be shattered for years.

Crucially, the wargame highlighted Japan’s indispensable role:

Japanese bases — including Yokosuka, Kadena, and Misawa — were essential for U.S. strike operations.

Without access to these bases, U.S. response times would increase from hours to days, weakening Taiwan’s defense.

Chinese preemptive strikes on these bases were a central risk factor; in scenarios where Chinese missiles disabled Japanese installations, U.S. forces struggled significantly.

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, although operating in a limited defensive capacity, performed critical tasks: air defense, anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrols, logistical support, and rear-area security. These contributions acted as a force multiplier for U.S. combat power.

CSIS concluded bluntly: “Japan is the linchpin. Without the use of bases in Japan, U.S. fighter/attack aircraft cannot effectively participate in the war.”

Takaichi’s new stance appears to align directly with these assessments, ending decades of Japanese ambiguity.

Japan has undergone a dramatic shift in defense policy since 2022, expanding military spending and acquiring long-range strike capabilities far beyond traditional “self-defense.” Tokyo is deploying anti-ship and surface-to-air missile batteries to islands close to Taiwan, including Yonaguni, Miyako, and Ishigaki. These assets are designed to counter Chinese aircraft, warships, and missiles — and they send a clear deterrent signal.

Japan’s modernization push:

Acquisition of Tomahawk cruise missiles

Development of domestic long-range missiles

Strengthening maritime surveillance in the East China Sea

Enhancing interoperability with U.S. forces

These moves underscore Tokyo’s belief that deterring China requires more than diplomacy; it requires credible defensive and offensive capabilities.

Prime Minister Takaichi’s statement marks a historic break from Japan’s postwar pacifist tradition. By explicitly linking Taiwan’s security to Japan’s survival, she has drawn a bright red line — one that Beijing sees as a direct challenge.

China’s economic retaliation, military maneuvers, and diplomatic mobilization indicate that the confrontation is far from over. Meanwhile, Washington’s silence adds a layer of uncertainty as the geopolitical triangle becomes increasingly volatile.

For now, East Asia stands at a precarious moment. Japan’s new clarity, China’s escalating pressure, and America’s strategic ambiguity are converging in a way that could define the region’s security landscape for years to come.

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The United Kingdom and Mauritius over the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, home to the strategically vital island of Diego Garcia. After decades of tension and diplomatic wrangling, the British government agreed to transfer control of the islands to Mauritius, bringing a close to a contentious chapter of colonial history. The deal, which has been welcomed by major global players including the United States, India, and China, ensures the continued operation of the vital UK-US military base on Diego Garcia while allowing Mauritius to regain sovereignty over the rest of the archipelago.

The agreement, finalized in early October, follows a protracted legal and diplomatic struggle that has roots in the colonial era. For years, Mauritius has called for the return of the Chagos Islands, which were separated from Mauritius by the British in 1965, just before the island nation gained independence. The heart of the dispute has always been Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago and home to a critical military installation jointly operated by the United Kingdom and the United States.

As part of the new agreement, the UK will maintain control over Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years, paying an undisclosed rent to Mauritius for its continued use. At the same time, a resettlement fund will be established to compensate the Chagossian people, who were forcibly removed from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for the military base. While the Chagossians will not be allowed to return to Diego Garcia itself, the resettlement fund is expected to enable their return to other islands within the archipelago.

The United States, which operates a significant military facility on Diego Garcia, has expressed support for the agreement. Diego Garcia has long been a crucial hub for US military operations in the Indo-Pacific, playing a pivotal role in operations across the Middle East, including the Gulf and Iraq wars. The continued operation of this base under the new agreement ensures that the US will maintain its strategic footprint in the region, a vital asset as global power dynamics continue to shift.

India, another key player in the Indian Ocean, has also welcomed the deal. A joint statement from the UK and Mauritius acknowledged the “full support and assistance” of both the United States and India in reaching the agreement, signaling India’s growing influence in regional diplomacy. India’s support for the continued US presence on Diego Garcia aligns with its broader geopolitical strategy of countering China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, China’s response has been more measured. While it has not publicly opposed the agreement, China’s investments in ports and infrastructure throughout the Indian Ocean region—including its first overseas military base in Djibouti—underscore its growing interest in the region. The strategic importance of Diego Garcia, located just 2,300 miles from the contested South China Sea, cannot be overstated in the context of ongoing US-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific.

To understand the significance of the Diego Garcia agreement, it is essential to grasp the complex history of the Chagos Archipelago. The islands form part of the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge, an underwater mountain range that also includes the Lakshadweep Islands and the Maldives. Located some 1,300 miles northeast of Mauritius’ capital, Port Louis, Diego Garcia is the largest island in the archipelago and has been at the center of geopolitical intrigue for more than half a century.

In 1966, two years before Mauritius gained independence from Britain, the UK leased Diego Garcia to the United States, effectively ceding control of the island to allow the construction of a military base. The lease resulted in the forced displacement of approximately 1,500 Chagossians, an act that has been widely condemned by human rights groups and international organizations. The displaced Chagossians have fought for decades for the right to return to their homeland, a cause that has received global attention.

The military base on Diego Garcia was established in the 1970s and has since become one of the most strategically important military installations in the world. Officially referred to as the Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia by the US and the Permanent Joint Operating Base (PJOB) Diego Garcia by the UK, the base has played a critical role in US-led military operations throughout the Indo-Pacific and Middle East.

Mauritius has long argued that the UK’s control over the Chagos Islands is illegal. The dispute reached a critical turning point in May 2019 when the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for the UK’s unconditional withdrawal from the archipelago. This followed an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ruled that the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965 was unlawful and a violation of international law.

The UN resolution, passed with overwhelming support (116 votes in favor and only 6 against, including the US and UK), demanded that the UK withdraw from the islands within six months. However, the UK initially refused to comply, citing the continued need for the military base on Diego Garcia and raising concerns about regional security.

The UK’s decision to finally agree to a transfer of sovereignty in October 2024 marks a significant shift in its position and is seen as a major diplomatic victory for Mauritius.

At the heart of the Diego Garcia dispute lies its immense strategic value. The island’s location in the central Indian Ocean makes it a vital military asset, enabling the US and its allies to project power across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Known as the “Footprint of Freedom,” Diego Garcia serves as a forward operating base for US bombers and other military assets, providing critical support for operations in the Middle East, the South China Sea, and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

The US has deployed strategic bombers, including B-52H and B-2 aircraft, from Diego Garcia in recent years, demonstrating the island’s continued relevance in an era of increasing geopolitical competition. In early 2024, for example, two B-52H bombers were deployed to the base, while a B-2 bomber conducted a hot-pit refueling exercise at the airfield in August, underscoring its operational flexibility.

The base’s location, far from populated areas and outside the range of most conventional weapons systems, makes it an ideal staging ground for long-range operations. Its proximity to key shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean, which carry over one-third of the world’s bulk cargo traffic and two-thirds of global oil shipments, further enhances its strategic value.

For India, the Diego Garcia agreement represents a key victory in its efforts to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean. India has long viewed the Indian Ocean as its backyard, and the rise of China as a regional power has heightened Indian concerns about maintaining its dominance in the region. By supporting the continued US military presence on Diego Garcia, India seeks to ensure that China’s growing naval capabilities do not go unchecked.

In recent years, India has deepened its strategic partnership with Mauritius, including the construction of a military base on Agalega Island, part of the Mauritian archipelago. This base is seen as a complement to the US presence on Diego Garcia and a means for India to extend its influence across the Indian Ocean.

While the Diego Garcia agreement has been largely welcomed, some analysts have raised concerns about the potential for Chinese involvement in the Chagos Archipelago now that Mauritius has regained sovereignty. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy framed the agreement as a victory for global security, stating that it would strengthen the UK’s role in safeguarding the region and preventing the Indian Ocean from becoming an illegal migration route to the UK.

However, critics like former UK security minister Tom Tugendhat have warned that Mauritius could lease parts of the Chagos Islands to China, potentially giving Beijing a military foothold in the region. Such a development would have significant implications for the balance of power in the Indian Ocean, where both India and the US are seeking to counter China’s growing presence.

The resolution of the Diego Garcia dispute appears to strike a delicate balance between the interests of the key players involved. For Mauritius, the return of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago is a long-sought diplomatic victory, while the continued operation of the US base ensures that both the UK and the US maintain their strategic foothold in the region.

For the United States, the agreement secures the future of one of its most important overseas military bases, while for India, it provides a means of countering China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean. As global power dynamics continue to evolve, the Diego Garcia agreement will likely remain a cornerstone of the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific for years to come.

Haniyeh, who played an important role in negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza, was killed hours after attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in Tehran.

A senior Hamas official told the BBC the killing took place in the same building where Haniyeh had stayed during previous visits to Iran.

Three Hamas leaders and a number of guards were with him in the same building, they said.

Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, told a news conference that a missile hit Haniyeh “directly”, citing witnesses who were with him.

The group’s leadership has been left in “a state of shock”, top Hamas officials have told the BBC.

Hours before Haniyeh was targeted, Israel said it had killed senior Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

Israel believes he was responsible for a rocket attack that killed 12 people in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday. Hezbollah has denied any involvement.

The Iran-backed group confirmed Shukr’s body was found among the rubble of the residential building which was struck. Four other people, including two children, were killed.