Trump to defend Iran war, tout peace efforts at UN

Harry Archie September 22, 2026

US President Donald Trump is expected to use his speech at the United Nations on Tuesday to defend his administration’s war with Iran and highlight what he says are his diplomatic achievements.

Trump is expected to present himself as both a strong wartime leader and a peacemaker when he addresses world leaders at the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Iran war is expected to be one of the main issues in his speech. The conflict has affected global oil prices, shipping and economic stability, particularly because of disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump is also expected to highlight his efforts to end the war in Gaza and promote further agreements between Israel and Arab countries.

His visit comes as he faces a divided international audience over the Iran conflict. The war has drawn criticism over its economic and humanitarian effects, while the Trump administration continues to defend its military actions.

Trump is scheduled to meet several leaders during his visit, including British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodríguez. He also met French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday.

The US president is also expected to meet representatives of Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, amid concerns over the impact of the Iran war on regional security, energy supplies and shipping.

Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, are also in New York for the UN General Assembly. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to address the gathering on Wednesday.

Trump’s speech will be one of the main events of the 81st UN General Assembly, which is bringing world leaders together in New York to discuss major global issues.