UNGA 2026 highlights: Trump seeks Iran's ‘economic isolation’, calls for Ukraine peace

UNGA 2026 LIVE: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made strong remarks emphasising global awareness against regional oppression and advocating for international peace while travelling to New York to participate in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Stressing the necessity of global solidarity, President Pezeshkian stated, "The people of the world should become aware of the oppressive behaviours in the region; an assembly with the slogan 'Trust' should restore trust to the world and end the war and bloodshed."

Highlighting specific regional grievances ahead of international deliberations, he further added, "We will voice the oppression of the children of Minab and Lamerd."

The Iranian President embarked on this diplomatic mission on Tuesday morning, receiving an official send-off from First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, Deputy for International Affairs of the Supreme Leader's Office Hojjatoleslam Walmoslemin Mohsen Qomi, and a group of cabinet members, as reported by the Iranian news agency IRNA.

via ANI

UNGA 2026 LIVE: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to hold his first meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York. Burnham told reporters that he is "acting to secure the interests of Britain and the wider region."

He also said that Britain wants to see an end to the conflict in the region "as quickly as possible and we stand ready to play our part."

UNGA 2026 LIVE: The Kremlin said on Tuesday that the United States had denied a visa to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, describing this as an unfriendly act.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the move went against US obligations as the host country for the UN headquarters and Russia would raise the matter with Washington.

via Reuters

UNGA 2026 LIVE: As Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian heads to New York for the UNGA amid a simmering war with the US, foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran's priority at the gathering is to defend the rights of the Iranian people.

“Our most important objective is to appear on a major international platform to defend the righteousness, the rights and the interests of the Iranian people,” he was quoted as saying by Press TV.

UNGA 2026 LIVE:US President Donald Trump's is scheduled to speak before UN General Assembly at 13:55( GMT), which is 19:25 (IST).

UNGA 2026 LIVE: China's foreign ministry has said vice president Han Zheng will attend the UNGA in New York on September 24-26, Reuters reported.

UNGA 2026 LIVE: Artificial intelligence is another major issue on the diplomatic agenda. Officials are looking at ways to address concerns surrounding the rapid development and potential risks of AI.

UNGA 2026 LIVE: Maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz is expected to feature in diplomatic discussions during the UNGA week. The waterway has become a major concern amid the escalating Middle East conflict.

UNGA 2026 LIVE: Former US Ambassador Robert Wood said the United Nations was at an “inflection point” as conflicts and diplomatic failures continue. He said the situation was difficult last year and had not improved significantly.

UNGA 2026 LIVE: Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in New York ahead of President Masoud Pezeshkian's UNGA visit.

UNGA 2026 LIVE: The annual UN General Assembly opened Tuesday with diplomats describing a world facing multiple overlapping crises. The Russia-Ukraine war continues, while the Gulf conflict has escalated and global economic conditions remain unsettled.

UNGA 2026 LIVE: World leaders are gathering at the United Nations amid wars in Europe and the Middle East, economic uncertainty and a shifting global order. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the world is in an “era of deep uncertainty” and that international institutions must adapt to a changing world.

UNGA 2026 LIVE: Russian FM Sergei Lavrov is expected in New York and is due to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

UNGA 2026 LIVE: Trump has said he is “probably open” to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the UNGA, according to reporting ahead of the Iranian president's arrival.

UNGA 2026 LIVE: US President Donald Trump is in New York for a packed schedule of meetings with foreign leaders, with the wars involving Iran and Ukraine among the central issues. He is also due to address the General Assembly.

United Nations General Assembly LIVE: Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New York on Monday to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly. It is his first visit to the United States since the US and Israel bombed the country and started the ongoing war on February 28.

United Nations General Assembly: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday. Zelenskiy is expected to push for an energy truce with Russia to halt attacks on energy infrastructure.

Trump media ban LIVE updates: Trump said the White House had a responsibility to restrict access for outlets he believes are unfair.

“I think that these outlets have an obligation to be fair. And if they're fake news, I really think I have an obligation not to allow them into another very special house,” he said, referring to the White House.

Trump media ban LIVE updates: Trump defended his decision to restrict CNN, MS NOW and Politico after meeting Mamdani. He said the move was based on what he described as the media's obligation to report fairly.

“I'm only doing it because I think the press also has an obligation,” Trump said.

Trump media ban LIVE updates: Mamdani said his position was based on the belief that people should be able to engage regardless of their views or criticism. “And that is something that I believe in, as everyone, no matter the opinion or the critique, that we engage,” he said.

Trump media ban LIVE updates: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he told President Donald Trump that all members of the press would be welcome at their meetings in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Asked whether he challenged Trump over the media restrictions, Mamdani said: “I told the President that we're going to have all of the members of the press here on the lawn.” He added that he believes everyone should be engaged regardless of their opinions or criticism.

Mamdani made the remarks after meeting Trump at Gracie Mansion, as the president faces a legal challenge over his decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.

Trump media ban LIVE updates: The five networks that share White House TV pool duties said the public has a vital interest in receiving accurate and independent information about the government. They added: “No administration should restrict a news organisation because it objects to its reporting.”

Trump media ban LIVE updates: The White House defended its decision to bar the three outlets, saying on X: “White House access is a privilege – not a right.” The administration said the First Amendment protects the media's right to publish but does not guarantee a particular outlet a White House press pass, briefing-room seat or place in the press pool.

Trump media ban LIVE updates: HuffPost said it would not publish or distribute photographs taken Monday by members of the White House still photography pool, joining other news organisations in support of journalists barred from the White House. The outlet said it remained committed to a “free and independent press” and would continue covering Donald Trump and his activities.

Trump media ban LIVE updates: In their lawsuit, CNN, MS NOW and Politico described the restrictions as a “blatant violation” of the First Amendment. The outlets said that the government should not be able to restrict journalists' access because officials object to the content of their reporting.