At UNGA, Trump’s ‘annihilation’ threat to Iran; cites praise from Pakistan PM

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly, defending his administration's decision to wage war against Iran. He touted the "America is back" agenda and claimed his policies have made the nation stronger, more prosperous, and positioned it for a bright future.

Touting his record of "acted," "made peace," and "made it," Trump argued that his "Make America Great Again" policies not only benefited the United States but also contributed positively to the world. Despite the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Iran, Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and Lebanon, Trump claimed that his policies were lifting the world by bolstering its wealth, strength, and spirit.

Regarding the conflict in Iran, Trump justified his actions by labeling the Iranian leadership as "vicious," "violent," and "scum." However, his administration has shown a willingness to engage Iran through a potential meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who also attended the General Assembly. Iran, however, appeared skeptical about further talks, citing past attacks by the US and Israel during negotiations.

Trump highlighted his strategy to end violence, instability, and foreign interference in the Western Hemisphere, an increasingly contested region due to economic competition from China. As his poll figures declined, Trump's speech came as he faced criticism both domestically and internationally.

In the lead-up to his UN speech, Trump's poll figures hit new lows, with a Pew survey of 36 nations revealing that a median of 23% of adults had confidence in his leadership on global affairs. Despite his frequent criticism of the UN, Trump enjoyed addressing the international audience.

As Trump's term nears its end, speculation about his successor intensifies. The UN's largest funders and most powerful Security Council members, the United States and China, may discuss the future of AI during their summit on Wednesday in Washington.