Bahrain, newly elected to U.N. Security Council, says it will push for regional peace, nonproliferation and a two-state solution

Bahrain, elected to a nonpermanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–27 term, said it will use its forthcoming term to promote regional peace, support nonproliferation efforts and press for a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The statement, delivered by a Bahrain representative at a press event, said the kingdom will "fortify peace and stability within our region and globally," emphasize dialogue and consensus building, and work closely with other Security Council members and the broader United Nations community.

"The mandate of the United Nations Security Council is to achieve peace and security in the world," the Bahrain representative said, adding Bahrain would support "successful negotiation and talks that are happening right now in the region." The representative said Bahrain seeks a region "free of nuclear weapons" and wants peoples in the region to "live side by side, despite their differences in religion and sect and ideologies."

During a question-and-answer exchange, a questioner who identified himself as Minister Trudeau referenced a recent International Atomic Energy Agency report about Iran's nuclear-enrichment activities and asked how Bahrain would address such concerns as a Security Council member. The Bahrain representative responded that nonproliferation is part of Bahrain's view of regional security and said the kingdom would support negotiations and coordination among regional states.

Asked whether a two-state solution for Israel and a viable Palestinian state would be on Bahrain's Security Council agenda, the Bahrain representative said that—"definitely"—Bahrain sees a two-state solution as the cornerstone to achieving peace in the region. The representative said immediate priorities include a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and detainees, and "the immediate allowance for inflow of humanitarian support." The representative also said Bahrain would seek to increase the number of countries recognizing the state of Palestine and would support diplomatic efforts, including an upcoming conference chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.

The press exchange did not include formal motions, votes or binding Security Council actions; the remarks described Bahrain's intentions and priorities for the term for which it was elected. The Bahrain representative expressed "sincere appreciation to the member states of the United Nations for entrusting the Kingdom of Bahrain with this honor and responsibility."