Trump defends Iran war at UN as Iranian delegation walks out
US President Donald Trump returned to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday and used his speech to argue that his leadership had shown resolve at a time of global uncertainty and political pressure at home. He began by listing what he described as progress on jobs, illegal migration and crime, before mounting a strong defence of his decision to start a war with Iran.
Trump said Iran had delayed efforts to make a deal to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate an end to the war until after the US midterm elections. “I gave absolutely no credence and will not give credence to the election when it comes to Iran,” Trump said. “It doesn’t even enter my mind.” Iran’s delegation walked out as he spoke against the Islamic Republic.
Trump’s appearance came at a difficult moment for the world and for his presidency. His decision to launch a war in the Middle East has shaken the global economy. Concern is also rising over the social impact of artificial intelligence, while questions remain over the future of the United Nations after Trump scaled back US financial support for the world body.
As he arrived at the UN, Trump briefly told reporters it was an honour to address the organisation, before turning to his complaints against the news media. Over the weekend, he announced a White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico, saying their coverage of his presidency was biased. The outlets have filed a lawsuit to restore their access to White House grounds. In the media scrum at the UN, Trump told a CNN reporter, “I’m surprised that CNN is here covering me. You shouldn’t be here.”
After addressing the annual gathering of world leaders, Trump was expected to hold talks with new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and also have a more informal meeting with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez, according to the White House.
He was also set to meet leaders and senior officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council nations of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the way ahead in the Iran war and growing concern over recent Iran-backed rebel attacks on Saudi Arabia. Trump also planned to take part in an event on the Shield of Americas, an initiative he launched with Latin American countries earlier this year to combat violent cartels.
The UN visit came as Trump’s foreign policy approach, especially the war with Iran, has become a burden on fellow Republicans hoping to retain control of both chambers of Congress in the coming midterm elections. Even so, Trump used the platform to press his case that the world was better off under his leadership, saying: “As president of the most extraordinary nation in history, I have no interest in leaving dangers to grow for another day. I do not believe in letting problems fester.”
