Nearly 130 world leaders are convening in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where discussions are expected to focus on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, the advancement of artificial intelligence, and the increasing strain on international systems.
Among the key figures attending is U.S. President Donald Trump, who is set to deliver a speech and engage in bilateral meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The assembly’s agenda includes pressing issues like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with French President Emmanuel Macron having already broached the subject with Trump, emphasizing the need to bolster Ukraine’s defense and consider a temporary pause in attacks on its energy infrastructure.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the pursuit of a two-state solution will also be a central topic, with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin expected to join conversations aimed at promoting a permanent ceasefire and advancing diplomatic resolutions.
In addition to these regional conflicts, Iran’s participation in the assembly is noteworthy, as a delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi plans to articulate Iran’s positions and defend national interests. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated Washington’s willingness to engage in discussions with the Iranian representatives, though no formal meeting is currently planned. Rubio reiterated the United States’ commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.