US President Donald Trump defended his administration’s military actions against Iran during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. He urged other countries to maintain economic pressure on Tehran and said Iran must choose between reaching an agreement and facing further consequences.
Trump said the United States had targeted Iran’s nuclear programme and reduced its military capabilities. He reiterated that Washington would not accept Iran developing nuclear weapons and called for continued economic isolation until Tehran stops attacks on commercial shipping and ends its support for groups he described as terrorist organisations.
On the Russia Ukraine conflict, Trump said efforts were continuing to find a way towards ending the fighting. He also discussed developments involving Venezuela, saying the United States was working with Venezuelan leaders on future arrangements following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. He also announced a major oil agreement involving the two countries.
Regarding Mexico, Trump focused on efforts to tackle transnational crime. He referred to drug cartels being designated as foreign terrorist organisations and urged Mexico to take stronger action against criminal groups. He also discussed negotiations involving Cuba and said his administration was seeking major changes in the country.
Trump also highlighted a new agreement involving Denmark and Greenland, describing the Arctic territory as important to regional and international security. He said the arrangement would strengthen US security capabilities in the region and support NATO’s position in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
Artificial intelligence was another major part of the address. Trump said the United States would continue supporting AI development and argued against international measures that could restrict technological growth. He also criticised several international institutions, including the International Criminal Court, UNESCO and the UN Human Rights Council.
Trump questioned the authority of the International Criminal Court over US personnel and criticised the UN Human Rights Council for what he described as an excessive focus on the United States. He also argued that international organisations should concentrate on their core responsibilities rather than advancing broader global governance initiatives.