Trump at UN: From Warmonger to Peacemaker

President Donald Trump used his address to the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday for self-promotion, mixing campaign rhetoric with threats and some conciliatory gestures, as he faces domestic pressure ahead of the US midterm elections. Trump, who appeared less energetic than usual, adopted a somewhat friendlier tone than last year but still criticized the UN. He claimed credit for creating peace, threatened to "destroy" Iran if no deal is reached, and touted US economic and military strength, while also mentioning the Venezuela military action and expressing confidence on ending the Ukraine war. The Iranian delegation walked out during Trump's speech, and President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN on Wednesday. Syrian President Ahmed al-Scharaa opened the second day of debates, declaring Syria is "rising" and demanding Israel follow UN Resolution 497 on the Golan Heights.