Trump defends Iran war in subdued address to world leaders

Published September 22, 2026 12:28pm ET | Updated September 22, 2026 12:28pm ET



President Donald Trump defended his decision to start a war with Iran in a subdued address before the United Nations and was adamant that a peace deal with Tehran will be brokered after the midterm elections.

With his foreign policy in the spotlight at this year’s U.N. General Assembly in New York, Trump devoted much of his remarks to the seven-month conflict, telling world leaders that he is at an inflection point and could resume strikes.

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