U.N. General Assembly opens with wars in Ukraine and Middle East dividing world leaders

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres opens his final General Assembly this week as world leaders gather in New York amid deep divisions over wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Iran. The event runs through Sept. 28, with Guterres pushing for de-escalation in the Middle East, freedom of navigation through key waterways, and a ceasefire in Ukraine. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are scheduled to speak, while Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will deliver a video address after visa denial. About 120 leaders are attending, but China's Xi Jinping, India, Germany, and South Africa will send substitutes. Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodríguez will debut at the U.N. as Nicolás Maduro remains in U.S. custody. The Security Council is also seeking a successor to Guterres, with no consensus yet among seven candidates.