UN General Assembly opens with AI, Iran war, and leadership race in focus

The UN General Assembly's high-level week begins Tuesday in New York, focusing on AI, conflicts, and a leadership transition as Secretary-General António Guterres prepares to leave office. US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Gulf leaders to discuss the war with Iran, and is expected to sign an agreement giving the US permanent control over Greenlandic security. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also meet Trump, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends despite ongoing combat with the US. More than 130 heads of state are expected, with AI as a major theme and the UN Security Council meeting on the issue Wednesday. The race to replace Guterres is key, with Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan reported to have a narrow lead. The UN also received $827 million in US dues, improving its financial position.