US President Donald Trump defended Washington’s military operations against Iran during his address to world leaders at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2026.
Trump said the United States had targeted Iran’s nuclear programme and weakened its military capabilities. He reiterated that Washington would not allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons and called for the complete economic isolation of Iran until it ends attacks on commercial shipping and its support for activities he described as terrorism.
The US President warned that Iran could face further military action if it failed to reach a deal with Washington. His remarks came amid continuing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and the safety of international maritime routes.
Trump also discussed the Russia–Ukraine conflict, saying that efforts were continuing to find a resolution. He presented his administration’s broader foreign-policy approach as focused on military strength, economic pressure and direct negotiations.
Other Foreign-Policy Issues Raised
Venezuela
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Trump’s remarks placed military pressure, economic sanctions and strategic control of international security routes at the centre of US foreign policy. Any further escalation involving Iran could affect diplomatic negotiations, commercial shipping, energy markets and security conditions across the Middle East. His comments on Greenland, Venezuela and international institutions also underline Washington’s broader approach to security and geopolitical influence.
Trump highlighted developments in the Western Hemisphere, including what he described as a US military operation in Venezuela that led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro.
He said the United States was working with Venezuelan leaders toward what he called a better future for the Venezuelan people. Trump also announced a major oil agreement between the United States and Venezuela.
Mexico and Cuba
On Mexico, Trump focused on transnational crime and drug cartels. He said the cartels had been designated as foreign terrorist organisations and called on Mexico to reclaim control of its territory from criminal groups.
Trump also referred to ongoing negotiations with Cuba, stating that his administration sought a fundamental change in the situation on the island.
Greenland and Arctic Security
Trump praised a new agreement expected to be signed with Greenland and Denmark. He described Greenland as strategically important to regional and international security.
According to Trump, the arrangement would provide the United States with permanent control over security and other requirements on the territory while supporting NATO’s security posture in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions.
The precise legal and political implications of the proposed arrangement remain subject to the agreement’s terms and implementation.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence was another major theme of Trump’s address. He promoted US leadership in the sector and said the technology should be described as “superintelligence.”
Trump rejected international efforts to impose controls on AI, arguing that the United States should continue promoting technological development and innovation.
Criticism of International Institutions
Trump criticised several international organisations, including the International Criminal Court, UNESCO, the UN Human Rights Council and the International Maritime Organization.
He argued that the ICC had no jurisdiction over the United States and called on countries to withdraw from the institution. He also accused the UN Human Rights Council of focusing excessively on the United States while overlooking abuses elsewhere.
Trump criticised UNESCO and the International Maritime Organization over what he described as efforts to advance global governance initiatives.
