Trump addresses UN with mixture of boasts, threats and jibes | First Thing

At the UN General Assembly, Donald Trump threatened to "annihilate the Islamic republic" of Iran and urged global isolation of Tehran to lower energy prices. Despite this rhetoric, Iranian officials held three hours of talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff on the sidelines, described as positive by Witkoff. Trump also defended AI development, announced new US military bases in Greenland, criticized the international criminal court, and caused Cuba's delegation to walk out by calling it a "failed state." He also scolded a CNN anchor for covering him. Separately, a Republican senator called for an investigation into Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding potentially being funded by a Russian oligarch.

At the UN, President Trump stated he has a significant decision regarding Iran, weighing between military action and a peace deal. This contrasted with UN Secretary-General António Guterres' warning about deepening global divisions. Trump also expressed confidence in his ability to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war, predicting a swift conclusion. He downplayed concerns about Artificial Intelligence, renaming it "super intelligence" and asserting US leadership against China. Additionally, Trump signed an agreement with Denmark and Greenland to increase US military presence on the island, reaffirming Greenland's sovereignty while granting the US broad access.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran. This meeting, Naqvi's sixth visit to the Iranian capital, occurred as Pakistan and Qatar are seeking to revive diplomacy with the United States. Pezeshkian expressed hope for stronger Iran-Pakistan ties, suggesting that US actions have fostered convergence among Islamic countries. Naqvi described current relations between Iran and Pakistan as being at an all-time high. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister traveled to New York for the UN General Assembly, stopping in Doha to discuss regional developments with Qatari officials. Qatar confirmed its efforts, in coordination with Pakistan, to facilitate an agreement between Tehran and Washington.

During the UN General Assembly, US President Donald Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran, while simultaneously describing a recent meeting with Iranian officials as "very good." Iran's Armed Forces General Staff responded by warning of "crushing" retaliatory attacks, and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei used combative imagery to describe Iran's defensive capabilities. These exchanges occurred amid ongoing US-Iran talks aimed at de-escalating a nearly seven-month war that has impacted global fuel prices and Iran's economy. The discussions, involving US envoys and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, were the first in-person meetings in months and are seen as an attempt to revive diplomatic channels.

Leaders from six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states will meet with US President Donald Trump in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The meeting occurs as the US-Israel war on Iran nears seven months, significantly impacting GCC economies through disrupted oil and gas exports and threats to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. GCC nations aim to convey concerns about potential consequences of further US military strikes on Iran and seek to persuade Trump towards de-escalation and concessions to Tehran. They also want to ensure freedom of navigation and address individual predicaments, such as Qatar's curtailed gas shipments and Saudi Arabia's pressure from Houthi advances in Yemen. Trump faces a "big decision" on the war and may seek greater GCC engagement against Iran in exchange for US intervention against Houthi attacks.

Middle Eastern leaders are converging at the UN General Assembly to address escalating regional conflicts, including the war with Iran, Houthi attacks, and the future of Gaza. Key figures from Jordan, Türkiye, Qatar, Egypt, and Israel are expected to speak, with President Trump also scheduled to meet Gulf leaders to discuss the Iran conflict and regional stability. The Iran war has reshaped the region, creating potential for new energy partnerships and closer Israel-Arab cooperation, though Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping pose a new threat to energy supplies. Meanwhile, Arab nations are seeking a political settlement for Gaza, differing with Israel on Palestinian statehood and rejecting forced displacement. Diplomatic divisions are evident, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the assembly via video after being denied a U.S. visa.

During their first meeting at the UN in New York, Donald Trump praised Andy Burnham as a "natural businessman" and suggested the UK's relationship with the US was "more up" than under Keir Starmer, believing Burnham would be a "great prime minister." They discussed various topics including Rolls-Royce, energy, and immigration. However, Trump strongly criticized the UK's decision to give up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, calling it a "terrible deal" due to their strategic importance. Burnham stated they had established a good connection. Trump also commented on the Iran war and cost of living, and defended his actions regarding journalists.