President Donald Trump addressed world leaders at the UN General Assembly, defending his administration's actions regarding Iran and accusing other nations of inaction. Trump stated that while others have talked, his administration has acted to confront threats, asserting this approach has made America the most powerful country in the world.
During his speech, Trump accused the Iranian regime of significant human rights abuses, alleging it has killed over 72,000 of its own citizens this year, with 10,000 recently killed for protesting. He characterized the Iranian regime as "fanatical" and a "bully of the Middle East" that "ruled by bloodshed and mass murder, spreading death and carnage and chaos across the entire Middle East and beyond."
Trump indicated a critical decision point in the conflict, stating he has a "big decision to make" regarding whether to allow Iran to rebuild or to "annihilate the Islamic Republic and drive them into Hell."
He urged the UN to unite against Iran, promising that global oil prices would decrease if such unity were achieved. The president also highlighted resolving the Israel-Gaza conflict and ensuring freedom of navigation in contested waterways as top priorities. Additionally, Trump touched upon U.S. actions in the Western Hemisphere and his administration's Gaza peace plan.
He also referenced the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
First Lady Melania Trump was present for her husband's address and has events scheduled this week related to her education policy agenda.