Trump at UN: Iran Celebrated Oct 7 Massacre, I Took Action

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to address the annual UN General Assembly, with his speech expected to cover a range of global issues including the war with Iran, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the growing dangers of AI. Ahead of the address, the White House released excerpts indicating Trump will defend his decision to initiate a war against Iran in late February, stating, "While others talked, I acted." He is also expected to reference the October 7th Hamas attack, calling it a "massacre" of 1,200 civilians, including Americans, funded by Iran. Trump will highlight that Iran's Supreme Leader celebrated the attack and that the regime has killed over 72,000 of its own citizens, warning of the catastrophic consequences if such a regime were to obtain nuclear weapons.

This marks Trump's second address at the UN since returning to the White House. Last year, his lengthy speech sharply criticized the organization for failing to resolve international conflicts and for allegedly encouraging migration. Despite earlier threats to withdraw from the UN, the U.S. recently transferred $725 million to the organization, preventing the loss of its voting rights.

The speech comes amid significant international turmoil, particularly the ongoing conflict with Iran and escalating tensions between Yemen's Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, which has contributed to rising global fuel prices. Hours before Trump's address, a senior Iranian official indicated Tehran's readiness to resume negotiations with the U.S., though a meeting between Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was ruled out. The Iranian delegation, however, possesses full authority to revive diplomacy, with the official stating Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. reduces military pressure and lifts sanctions on its ports.

Trump himself has signaled openness to resuming talks with Iran and meeting with Pezeshkian or another Iranian official. CNN reported, citing a U.S. official, that Trump told his advisors he was interested in arranging such a meeting if conditions were suitable, with the goal of ensuring Iran never obtains nuclear weapons. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, stating the U.S. is open to the possibility if it leads to positive outcomes.

Trump is scheduled to hold meetings with 11 world leaders on the sidelines of the summit, including a summit with Gulf state representatives to discuss the campaign against Iran and the "day after." He will also meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, amid pressure on Kyiv to cease attacks on Russian energy facilities. Other meetings include Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to expand U.S. security presence in Greenland, and Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, marking their first meeting following an agreement granting the U.S. a significant share of Venezuela's oil reserves.

Notably, Trump will not meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is scheduled to speak later in the week amidst concerns about protests and potential difficulties with New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Brazilian President Lula da Silva, who is critical of Israel, is the first speaker and accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. He also criticized Trump's threats against Iran, warning that threats of civilization's extinction would not bring stability. Other world leaders scheduled to speak include King Abdullah of Jordan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, and French President Emmanuel Macron. UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened the summit, warning of widening international divisions and criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank, calling the situation "devastating" and expressing concern about ethnic cleansing and the erosion of the two-state solution.