Netanyahu Addresses UN General Assembly Amid Regional Tensions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday. On the sidelines of the assembly, Netanyahu met with leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama, Ethiopia, Greece, Slovenia, Papua New Guinea, and the Vice President of Colombia. He did not, however, meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu was scheduled to return to Israel immediately after his speech, foregoing any overnight stay in New York. This decision, first reported by Channel 13 News, was reportedly made due to security considerations. Recent intelligence assessments, including specific warnings, were presented to senior security officials and the Prime Minister, leading to a recommendation against extending his stay.

The regional backdrop to these events includes escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf. An Israeli source told Saudi channel Al-Hadath that further strikes against Iran "seem like a matter of time." The source also stated that Iran is increasing its transfer and defense of its nuclear project at Fardow, near Natanz, and is attempting to deter any attack by activating its nuclear program. Israel "will take steps to attack Iranian nuclear facilities again if Tehran crosses the red lines."

In parallel, a military advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei threatened that if the United States initiates a new war, it could open a new front around the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. The advisor expressed hope that war would not break out but affirmed Iran's readiness to defend itself if attacked. He suggested that Iran could explore alternative mechanisms for ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz if Washington heeded their proposals, noting an agreement with Oman on maritime traffic in the strait that Washington is reportedly blocking. He asserted that Iran "will always control and manage the Strait of Hormuz" and that connecting Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb would change the battlefield.

Earlier, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi delivered his speech at the assembly, following threats from President Trump. Raisi, displaying a picture of the assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stated, "Iran needs nuclear energy, not a bomb. We will not surrender to military aggression, we believe in diplomacy." He also told Trump that "threats unite us, we will never surrender to sanctions."

Prior to his departure, Raisi stated that "the crimes committed against the Iranian people will be presented at the UN." He added, "The enemy has failed militarily, therefore it is turning to closing air and land routes. They will do everything because they could not defeat us. Preventing our media teams from entering is proof of their fear of exposing their crimes."