NEW YORK: U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States is becoming stronger and more powerful, as he addressed the opening session of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.
Trump said the United States had gathered with other countries at the United Nations to discuss peace, adding that the U.S. economy was stronger and that the future of the country and its citizens was bright.
He said U.S. borders had become more secure and described the American military as the most powerful in the world. Trump also claimed that illegal immigration into the United States had been reduced to zero.
Turning to Iran, Trump said Tehran could not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. He referred to the U.S. military operation known as Operation Midnight Hammer, saying American forces had targeted Iranian nuclear facilities to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump has previously made similar claims about the operation.
Trump also criticized Iran’s economy and accused Tehran of supporting terrorism. He said he faced a major decision over whether to take further action against Iran or give the country an opportunity to recover.
The U.S. president said he believed an agreement with Iran could be reached shortly after the U.S. midterm elections, adding that Tehran was watching his political position following the elections. Reuters reported that Trump warned Iran of potentially severe consequences if a peace agreement is not reached.
Trump Praises Shehbaz Sharif, Mentions Pakistan-India Conflict
Trump again referred to the Pakistan-India conflict during his UN address, claiming that he had helped stop eight wars.
He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, describing him as a “great leader” and a “great person.” Trump said Sharif had told him that his efforts had helped save the lives of millions of people.
Trump also expressed confidence that Russia and Ukraine would reach an agreement soon, saying both sides wanted to end the war.
Trump Discusses Greenland
The U.S. president said Washington would not allow an adversary to establish a military presence in Greenland. He also referred to a new agreement involving Greenland, Denmark and the United States, saying it would strengthen the security of NATO, the United States and Europe. AP reported that the three sides had signed a security agreement related to expanded U.S. military presence in the Arctic.
Trump Calls Cuba a Failed State
Addressing Cuba, Trump described the country as a failed state and said its communist government would eventually collapse.
He said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was engaged in talks with Cuban leaders and that Washington would assess the outcome of those negotiations.
The Cuban delegation walked out of the UN General Assembly hall while Trump was speaking about Cuba, according to Reuters.
The 81st UN General Assembly general debate is being held at UN headquarters in New York from September 22 to September 28, 2026.