Trump Defends Actions on Iran and Venezuela in UN Address Amid Tensions With Allies

US President Donald Trump defended his administration's actions regarding Iran and Venezuela during an address to the United Nations General Assembly, amid rising tensions with some allied nations, according to live coverage from The Guardian.

Arriving at UN headquarters, Trump made brief comments to reporters that were largely focused on criticizing CNN before responding to a question about Russia's war in Ukraine. Asked about his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said simply: “settle the war.”

A wide-ranging address

Trump's remarks at the General Assembly touched on multiple foreign policy flashpoints, including the administration's approach to Iran and its actions concerning Venezuela, both of which have drawn scrutiny and, in some cases, friction with allied governments over the appropriate course of action.

The address came during a General Assembly session already marked by extensive discussion of conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, with numerous world leaders using their platforms to weigh in on the war in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza, and broader questions of international security.

Trump's brief exchange with reporters, in which he mocked CNN before pivoting to his message for Putin, reflected his characteristic approach to public appearances at the assembly, mixing informal remarks with substantive statements on major foreign policy issues.

The live coverage of the event did not detail the full content of Trump's prepared remarks to the assembly beyond the reported defense of his Iran and Venezuela policies and his comments on Ukraine, though further details of the speech were expected to follow as coverage continued.