Trump in address to world leaders at UN defends his decision to start war against Iran

President Donald Trump returned to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, and argued that he has acted with resolve as other leaders “equivocated,” according to the Associated Press. In his remarks, he defended his decision to start a war with Iran after first listing areas of progress he said his administration has made at home. (apnews.com)

Trump said Iran is “weak and desperate” and framed the conflict as necessary to confront “Iranian terror.” He also said he would not defer his approach to Iran to U.S. domestic politics, asserting, “I gave absolutely no credence and will not give credence to the election when it comes to Iran.” (apnews.com)

The president accused Iran of delaying steps tied to fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz and negotiating an endgame for the war until after the U.S. midterm elections, according to AP reporting. Most of Iran’s delegation, the article said, walked out of the chamber during the address. (apnews.com)

AP reported that Trump addressed the war’s economic ripple effects, saying energy markets remain sensitive and that oil prices have stayed elevated. The article cited disruptions including Saudi Arabia shuttering a key pipeline used as a relief valve for oil blocked in the Gulf, while it also noted increased risk to shipping linked to Iran-backed Houthi activity near the Bab al-Mandab Strait; Trump characterized the high prices as temporary. (apnews.com)

As the UN General Assembly high-level week continued, AP said Trump was expected to meet with leaders including the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council nations, as well as with other counterparts while in New York. The article also reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump is open to meeting Iran’s president while both are in New York. (apnews.com)