UNITED NATIONS – US President Donald Trump delivered a blunt warning to Iran at United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, saying Tehran was the bully of the Middle East but is no more while again vowing that he would never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.
"As President of the most extraordinary nation in history, I have no interest in leaving dangers to grow for another day. I do not believe in letting problems fester until they only become harder to solve." 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/kH5vI7MPmW
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 22, 2026
Trump used the UN platform to defend the US military campaign against Iran, arguing that the war had prevented Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He also pointed to Iran’s missile capabilities, saying Tehran had developed a missile capable of reaching Europe and had taken pride in possessing such a weapon.
POTUS further attacked Hamas, describing the Palestinian group as being funded by Iran. He warned of the danger he associated with an Iranian nuclear capability, asking what could happen if the “detestable” Iranian regime were able to operate behind a nuclear shield. Trump said Washington had wanted to reach a deal with Tehran but ultimately used military force. He portrayed the action as part of his broader effort to make the United States stronger and maintain a firm position against terrorism.
He also thanked the UN Security Council for its resolution concerning Iran.
Trump began his address by highlighting the strength of the US economy and presenting his administration’s record as evidence of a stronger America. “I can report to you with pride that America is back, and our country is stronger today than ever before,” he told the gathering.
The president was also expected to challenge the role of the United Nations and other international institutions, arguing that his administration has sought to prevent them from infringing on US sovereignty or advancing policies it considers part of a left-wing agenda. The approach follows Trump’s combative UN appearance last year, when he sharply criticised other nations over issues including climate policy and mass migration.
Trump’s address came as the Middle East remained at the centre of intense international diplomacy, while the war in Ukraine continued despite repeated US efforts to broker peace.
The conflict with Iran has also carried major economic and political consequences. Global fuel prices have been affected, while the war has become a significant issue for Trump ahead of the November 3 congressional midterm elections.
Iran has signalled that diplomacy remains possible. Tehran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States eases military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. The proposal was conveyed through intermediaries, with Iranian officials saying the country’s UN delegation had authority to revive negotiations with Washington. However, officials ruled out a direct meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Trump in New York.
After his UN address, Trump was scheduled to meet at least 11 world leaders through bilateral and group discussions. His agenda included British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
Trump was also due to meet representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. He had already met French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, while further meetings could be added to his schedule.
One of the most closely watched engagements was the planned seven-way meeting involving Gulf leaders. Several Gulf governments remain concerned about the activities of the Iran-backed Houthis, who have captured large areas of Yemen, attacked Saudi Arabia and threatened shipping through the strategically important Bab el-Mandab Strait.
The gathering comes as regional governments confront wider security risks linked to the conflict involving Iran and its regional allies.
