NEW YORK, United States — President Donald Trump warned Iran of further military action during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, as the United States confronts continuing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Speaking to world leaders in New York, Trump defended the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran and called for greater international economic pressure on Tehran to secure an agreement ending the war.
He is also scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the assembly for talks concerning Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Trump Warns Iran Over Nuclear Programme
Trump told the General Assembly that military operations against Iran had prevented the country from developing nuclear weapons, presenting Tehran with a choice between reaching an agreement and facing further attacks.
“I have a big decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before?” Trump said.
“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?”
The president urged other countries to increase economic pressure on Iran, arguing that international isolation could compel its government to negotiate.
Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.
The war, which began with US-Israeli strikes in February, has disrupted regional energy supplies and contributed to higher global fuel prices.
Trump maintained that the conflict was necessary to address the threat he said Iran posed to international security.
Most members of the Iranian delegation left the General Assembly chamber during his remarks, according to the Associated Press.
The president also expressed confidence that an agreement with Tehran could be reached after the United States’ November midterm elections.
Trump and Zelensky to Discuss Ukraine War
Trump’s address preceded a scheduled meeting with Zelensky, who is seeking further American assistance as Ukraine continues to face Russian missile and drone attacks.
According to Reuters, the Ukrainian president intends to discuss a proposed agreement under which Russia and Ukraine would stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure.
The two countries have continued targeting energy facilities despite earlier diplomatic efforts to establish such an arrangement.
Zelensky is also expected to raise Ukraine’s need for additional American Patriot air defence systems to protect its cities and critical infrastructure.
Russia has indicated that it would consider an agreement restricting attacks on energy infrastructure only if Western sanctions affecting its energy sector were lifted.
The planned meeting follows a telephone conversation between Trump and Zelensky ahead of the UN gathering.
World Leaders Hold Talks on Multiple Conflicts
Trump’s appearance at the General Assembly forms part of a series of diplomatic meetings addressing the wars in Iran and Ukraine, regional security, and other international disputes.
The president is scheduled to meet leaders and senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the conflict with Iran and its consequences for neighbouring countries.
He is also expected to hold talks with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and other world leaders during the gathering.
The United Nations’ annual high-level meetings are taking place amid continuing fighting in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other regions, with governments seeking diplomatic agreements to address the conflicts.
