Trump delivers defiant UN address, vows to curb Iran and hints at post-election deal
President Donald Trump used his UN speech to defend the Iran war, label Tehran the top terror sponsor, and suggest a possible settlement after the midterms.
President Donald Trump took the UN General Assembly podium to launch an unyielding defense of his administration’s war against Iran, branding the regime the world’s number-one sponsor of terror and stressing his personal resolve to deny it a nuclear weapon. He contrasted his actions with those of his predecessors, claiming the United States has largely acted alone since his 2017 inauguration. Citing the 9/11 anniversary and the Hamas invasion of Israel, he underscored the persistent terrorism threat.
Trump hinted that a diplomatic agreement with Iran could be struck after the midterm elections, despite acknowledging Iran is watching the electoral outcome. He referenced three-hour side meetings involving envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with Iranian officials, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement that Trump is open to meeting Iranian leaders in New York. The speech aimed to bolster his domestic political standing while positioning a potential Iran settlement as an economic boost and legacy achievement.
Why it matters
The speech signals how the president links foreign policy on Iran to his domestic political strategy ahead of the midterms.
How this story developed
- Sep 14 Trump says United States remains open to talks with Iran to end war
- Sep 17 Trump announced a side meeting with Gulf leaders at the UN General Assembly to discuss a post‑war strategy.
- Sep 18 UN fact‑finding mission reported that two February U.S. strikes knowingly risked civilians and noted Iranian crimes against humanity.
- Sep 19 Iran has reportedly reached out to the United States directly seeking a deal.
- Sep 21 Iran sent demands to the United States and Houthis launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
- Sep 21 Guterres urged global cooperation on AI, inequality and conflict before departing.
- Sep 21 Trump announced he would seek a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 22 The UN secretary‑general race has narrowed to seven candidates after former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet withdrew.
- Sep 22 Donald Trump told the United Nations that he expects the United States to secure a deal with Iran after the upcoming November midterm elections.
- Sep 22 At the UN General Assembly, Donald Trump suggested the United States might completely destroy Iran to end the war he started with Israel.
- Sep 22 Trump scheduled to deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly and hold bilateral talks with leaders from Britain, Ukraine, Venezuela, Denmark, Greenland and Gulf states.
- Sep 22 Trump announced a three‑hour US‑Iran meeting at the UN.
- Sep 22 Trump hinted at a possible face‑to‑face meeting between the tycoon and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the UN.
- Sep 23 Trump reported a meeting between US and Iranian officials at the UN summit.
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