President Donald Trump is set to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, with the ongoing war with Iran expected to loom over both his speech and a packed schedule of meetings with world leaders.
The conflict is nearing its eighth month and has become one of the biggest issues facing leaders gathering in New York. The war has disrupted energy markets, increased instability across the Middle East and raised concerns about commercial shipping through some of the world's most important waterways.
Oil prices remain elevated, adding an economic dimension to the diplomatic discussions. At the same time, world leaders are confronting a growing list of other issues, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, climate change and efforts to determine what role governments should play in regulating artificial intelligence.
The gathering also comes as questions grow about the future of the United Nations itself. Trump has repeatedly criticized the organization, while the U.N. is dealing with financial pressures that have been worsened by unpaid U.S. dues.
Iran expected to dominate meetings
Trump's U.N. speech is only part of his agenda Tuesday.
The president is expected to meet with leaders and senior officials from Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Iran and the regional fallout from the war are expected to be major topics. Gulf governments have faced economic consequences from the conflict, while attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have added to concerns about Saudi Arabia and the security of international shipping routes.
Trump is also scheduled for meetings with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Burnham is making his first appearance at the General Assembly as prime minister and is expected to discuss the Middle East, Ukraine, artificial intelligence and energy prices during his visit.
Trump's schedule also includes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues without a diplomatic resolution.
The White House has also said Trump will have a less formal meeting, known as a pull-aside, with Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez. It will be their first in-person meeting.
Xi meeting comes Thursday
Trump's diplomacy will continue later in the week when Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Washington.
The meeting comes amid continued tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and China's relationship with Iran. Despite those disagreements, both governments have sought to keep diplomatic channels open and prevent relations from deteriorating further.
Iran is likely to be among the issues raised as Trump moves from the U.N. gathering to talks with Xi.
With the Iran war continuing, energy prices elevated and conflicts stretching from the Middle East to Ukraine, Trump's appearance at the United Nations comes during a General Assembly dominated by questions about how — and whether — international diplomacy can bring some of those crises under control.
