Trump defends Iran war, touts ‘America is back’ agenda in UN speech

President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, justifying his war with Iran, claiming his administration has "made peace," and asserting that his "Make America Great Again" policies have benefited the world. As the globe faces ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Iran, Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and Lebanon with no respite in sight, Trump declared, "I can report to you with pride that America is back, and our country is stronger today than ever before."

He touted his record on crime reduction, boosting US technology, and implementing tax cuts, portraying these achievements as a victory for the global community, stating, "While others have talked, I have acted. While others have spoken of peace, I have made it." His speech aimed to justify his military actions in Iran, but following Trump's disparaging comments about Iranian leadership on social media, his administration hinted at a potential meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who expressed wariness during the negotiations.

Trump also emphasized the administration's strategy to end violence, instability, and foreign interference in the Western Hemisphere, an area increasingly contested with China. Amidst his declining poll figures globally, Trump found solace in addressing a large audience on a prominent stage. The UN assembly comes as discussions arise about potential successors to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is set to conclude his second term on December 31.

The UN's partnership with the US and China, the largest funders and most influential Security Council members, may be a point of discussion when Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet on Wednesday in Washington. Following his UN speech, Trump was scheduled to meet with new British Prime Minister Andrew Burnham, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez.