US President Donald Trump is expected to use his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to highlight his administration’s diplomatic initiatives while defending the ongoing war against Iran.
Trump’s speech comes as the conflict continues to disrupt the global economy, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The war and its wider regional consequences are expected to be among the major issues surrounding the 81st UN General Assembly.
According to Channels Television, Trump is also expected to emphasise what he describes as his record as a peacemaker, including efforts linked to the Gaza conflict and attempts to expand the Abraham Accords between Israel and Arab countries.
International Crisis Group analyst Daniel Forti said the contents of Trump’s address remained difficult to predict, noting that the president could use the speech both to promote his diplomatic record and defend ongoing US military operations.
Trump faces questions over UN relationship
The UN address will also provide Trump with an opportunity to renew his criticism of the global organisation.
His appearance comes after repeated attacks on the UN and its leadership since returning to office. Last year’s address attracted international attention after Trump spoke at length about an escalator malfunction and problems with his teleprompter at the UN headquarters.
This year’s gathering is also taking place as Washington prepares to sign an agreement with Denmark and Greenland aimed at expanding the US military presence on the Arctic island. Reuters reports that the agreement is intended to increase US security infrastructure in Greenland while keeping the territory under Danish sovereignty.
Trump set for meetings with world leaders
Beyond his UN speech, Trump has a packed diplomatic schedule in New York.
He is expected to meet British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, and Danish and Greenlandic leaders. He is also scheduled to meet representatives of several Gulf states.
The meeting with Zelenskyy comes as the Russia-Ukraine war continues, while discussions with Gulf leaders are expected to focus heavily on the Middle East and the consequences of the Iran conflict.
Trump’s first meeting with Burnham is also expected to address Ukraine and regional security issues, including disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
AI and global conflicts on UN agenda
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to address the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the wars affecting several regions during the opening of the high-level session.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is scheduled to speak before Trump, with Brazil’s sovereignty and opposition to foreign interference in its elections expected to feature prominently in his remarks.
Trump’s appearance therefore comes against a backdrop of conflict in Iran and Ukraine, debates over the future of the UN, artificial intelligence and renewed diplomatic efforts across several regions.
