Trump Defends Iran War, Targets ICC In 2026 UN General Assembly Speech

U.S. President Donald Trump used his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, to defend his administration’s foreign policy, highlight domestic achievements and issue a series of warnings to Iran and international institutions.

Speaking before world leaders in New York, Trump began by focusing on developments at home.

He pointed to private-sector job growth, reduced illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border and lower violent crime as evidence that the United States had become stronger under his leadership.

Trump also highlighted the U.S. economy and stock market as part of a broader argument that his administration had restored American power and influence.

Related: Trump Warns EU Of ‘Serious Tariffs’ Over Canada Associate Membership Plan

A major focus of the speech was Iran. Trump strongly defended his decision to launch the current war against the Islamic Republic, saying his administration would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon or continue threatening countries in the region.

He accused Tehran of delaying negotiations in the hope that the outcome of the November 3 U.S. midterm elections would change Washington’s position.

Trump said he believed an agreement with Iran could still be reached after the elections, but he also warned of severe military consequences if diplomacy failed, saying he could “annihilate” Iran.

His remarks came as the conflict approaches its seventh month and continues to affect global energy markets and major shipping routes.

Most members of the Iranian delegation reportedly left the General Assembly hall during his comments.

The president also urged other countries to increase economic pressure on Iran in an effort to force Tehran back to negotiations.

At the same time, he argued that higher oil prices linked to the conflict would eventually fall once the war ends.

Trump also used the speech to renew his criticism of international institutions.

He called on countries belonging to the International Criminal Court to withdraw from the organisation, describing the court in strongly critical terms and arguing that American military personnel should not be subjected to its proceedings.

His appearance at the UN came amid wider global uncertainty, with the Iran and Russia-Ukraine wars, concerns about artificial intelligence and questions over the future role of the United Nations forming part of the backdrop to this year’s gathering.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, delivering his final General Assembly address before leaving office, called for greater international cooperation and cautioned against relying on military power alone to secure peace.

Following his speech, Trump was scheduled for a packed series of diplomatic meetings involving leaders from Britain, Japan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Denmark, Greenland and several Gulf states.

The agenda placed security, regional conflicts and diplomatic negotiations at the centre of his UN visit. Trump’s 2026 UN address centred on his argument that the United States should use its economic and military power to confront threats while resisting international institutions that his administration says infringe on American sovereignty.

Above all, the speech placed Iran at the centre of Washington’s current foreign-policy agenda as world leaders gathered in New York.