Trump meets with Iranian officials shortly after threatening annihilation
President Donald Trump and Iranian leaders in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly spoke through an intermediary for hours, taking peace amid war over the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian nuclear weapons aspirations.
Iranian President Pezeshkian met with boos, US walkout at UNGA
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's address to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday morning was met with immediate hostility.
As the emcee announced Pezeshkian's impending speech, audible boos erupted from the crowd. The tension in the room escalated further once Pezeshkian began speaking, which included the U.S. delegation walking out on his speech.
"The U.S. president described us as terrorists: We have been the victims of terrorism," he claimed.
As he continued his remarks, claiming Iran had "only defended ourselves," members of the U.S. delegation stood up and walked out of the General Assembly hall in protest.
Iran media: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi 'improperly interacted' with peace negotiators
Iranian state media says Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi "improperly interacted" with U.S special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The claim came in a Telegram post, which added that Iran's seven conditions to be communicated again to intermediaries.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon rejects Iranian president's claim of terrorist victimhood
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon fired back at Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's claim of being victims of terroristm.
“The president of the Iranian regime, Masoud Pezeshkian, stood at the UN podium and portrayed Iran as a victim of terrorism," Danon wrote on X. "This is the same regime that arms Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, Hamas in Gaza and Judea and Samaria, and militias in Iraq.
"The same regime that murders its own citizens when they dare to protest against it. Pezeshkian, your regime spreads terror. You are in no position to lecture Israel and the United States about morality.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio: 'Iranians misread our system'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, saying "the Iranians misread our system."
"I think the Iranians are under this illusion that Democrats are going to win in November, and the president will no longer be able to do things against them," Rubio said at a news conference while the Iranian president addressed UNGA on Wednesday morning. "I just don't think they understand our system very well."
Ultimately, Rubio said, "Iran can never have a nuclear weapon: Everything emanates from that."
"We'll continue to defend, we'll continue to hold the Straits open, so that's an issue, but the core issue here is that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon," Rubio continued. "We make that point in every interaction with them."
Rubio noted talks are ongoing toward peace and keeping the Straits of Hormuz free to the global oil supply.
"As the president said, he's open to a deal," Rubio added. "The president's open still to this moment, to making a deal with Iran that allows Iran to be what it should be, which is a great and prosperous country.
"But if they continue to insist on the desire for nuclear weapon, their support for proxies in the region, that their support of terrorism, they're the world's leading sponsor of terrorism, then we're going to have big problems with them."
Fmr Ambassador Marc Ginsberg: Congress must back overthrow of 'terror-fueled dictatorship'
At a "Free Iran" rally, former U.S. Ambassador Marc Ginsberg urged President Donald Trump and Congress to provide funding and support for the Iranian people to overthrow the "illegitimate, terror-fueled dictatorship."
"You know, for decades, we come here year after year to stand across from the United Nations and give voice to the people of Iran," Ginsberg said. "And today we come together again, this time armed more than with our protests against this regime and its illegitimate, terror fueled dictatorship.
"Despite their justifiable fatigue with this war to nowhere, Americans have a stake in what happens in Iran.
"They, to my fellow Americans, want a free Iran. They may not want an endless war. They don't want American casualties or boots on the ground. What they want, what we want, what you want is for the United States to live up to its promise to serve as Iran's arsenal of democracy."
"Congress needs to take its foot to the pedal and get this president and his administration to act. No more empty promises."
Iran President Pezeshkian to UNGA: Iran only seeks 'peaceful' nuclear power
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian used his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to firmly deny that his country is pursuing a nuclear arsenal.
"They have labeled centrifuges, international sanctions, other labels when it comes to our nuclear technology, but for our country, peaceful nuclear technology is part of our inherent progress for our sick people," Pezeshkian claimed in his Wednesday morning UNGA address.
"In progress in supply of electrical energy in Iran does not accept for nuclear technology to be at the exclusive disposal of some of a handful."
Pezeshkian remained defiant against international pressure, asserting Iran's inherent right to develop its nuclear capabilities without restriction.
"We will not bow our heads in developing the right that is inherently ours," he continued. "We say it clearly no nuclear weapons and no limitations to peaceful nuclear technology. Our peace will not come on the field of battle."
While Pezeshkian champions the narrative of strictly peaceful nuclear technology, international nuclear monitors point to a severe discrepancy. Typically, civilian nuclear power plants require uranium enriched to only about 3% to 5%.
However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that Iran has accumulated a massive stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity. This 60% threshold has no credible civilian justification and is widely considered to be a short, technical step away from the 90% enrichment level required to create weapons-grade nuclear material.
Currently, Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state in the world that is producing and stockpiling uranium enriched to this 60% level.
Iranian President Pezeshkian signals readiness for diplomacy
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian used his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to extend an offer of diplomacy and negotiation, declaring that Iran is prepared to engage in dialog as long as it is free from the threat of force.
"Going back to the words of the president of the United States yesterday shows those who are experts in international law and dialog and diplomacy and basic human standards that everything uttered about our country was against the very essence and charter in the spirit of the United Nations," Pezeshkian concluded in his UNGA address Wednesday morning.
"He must know that the resistance of the Iranian people will increase in the face of sanctions, and increased bullying, because all of us under law will never bow our head or bend at the knee.
"More must be understood by Mr. Trump and those who seek to bully us, that we are ready for dialog and diplomacy and negotiations without accepting the language of force."
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to UNGA: 'Iran can never be made to surrender'
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian used his platform at the United Nations General Assembly to deliver a staunch defense of his nation's resilience.
Directing his remarks at those responsible for carrying out "deadly aggression" against Iran, Pezeshkian declared that adversaries have tested the country's strength and learned a lesson.
"They have learned that Iran cannot be made to surrender," Pezeshkian said in his UNGA address.
"We are not afraid of fighting, of war.
"We will stand in defense of our beloved Iran, our homeland, until our last breath."
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian: US calls 'us terrorists,' we are 'victims of terrorism'
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed to the United Nations General Assembly that his country is not the bad guy, but the victims.
"The United States president described us as terrorists," he said in Wednesday morning UNGA address. "We have been the victims of terrorism.
"Those who are terrorists and train and protect terrorists describe us as such. We have only defended ourselves. We are not terrorists."
"America and Israel attacked us, equipped with the latest technology and weapons systems, and our people stood steadfast. Yes, they did hit us, but we did not bend the knee. We did not bow our head."
CENTCOM hails attack-drone tech as Rapid Employment Joint Task Force marks 1-year anniversary
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is rapidly advancing its unmanned combat capabilities in the Middle East as the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force (REJTF) celebrates its one-year anniversary.
Created to equip U.S. warfighters with cutting-edge technology, the REJTF has driven significant historical milestones over the past 52 weeks, according to CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper.
"The task force made history in June when an unmanned surface vessel assisted the rescue of a downed helicopter crew in regional waters, and in July when CENTCOM employed a one-way-attack unmanned surface vessel for the first time in combat," Cooper said. "The REJTF team is now developing the world's first multinational attack drone unit, building on the incredible milestones achieved over the past 52 weeks."
"One year ago today, CENTCOM created the Rapid Employment Joint Task Force (REJTF) to equip our warfighters with cutting-edge technology. They immediately established the U.S. military's first one-way attack drone squadron in the Middle East and launched the first aerial attack drone from a U.S. Navy warship. The task force made history in June when an unmanned surface vessel assisted the rescue of a downed helicopter crew in regional waters, and in July when CENTCOM employed a one-way-attack unmanned surface vessel for the first time in combat. The REJTF team is now developing the world's first multinational attack drone unit, building on the incredible milestones achieved over the past 52 weeks. To our innovators and deployed warfighters leading the way, keep up the great work!"
World leaders descend on New York for UNGA — but who really has America’s ear?
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK — More than 100 presidents and prime ministers will descend on New York this week for one of the busiest gatherings on the diplomatic calendar, arriving at a United Nations confronting wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, economic pressure from disrupted energy markets and fresh questions about the institution’s ability to respond to an increasingly fractured world.
The U.N. expects 73 heads of state and 45 heads of government, alongside 49 ministers, 11 vice presidents and one crown prince, U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters Friday. Member states have already submitted roughly 1,000 requests for bilateral meetings, while 168 events are scheduled during high-level week, according to Dujarric.
Asked Friday to characterize the atmosphere inside U.N. headquarters as the delegations prepare to arrive, Dujarric described it simply as "high stress."
The General Debate of the 81st U.N. General Assembly begins Tuesday, Sept. 22, under the theme, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all."
But beneath the speeches, motorcades and closed-door meetings across Manhattan is another competition: nearly every government represented in New York will be trying, in one way or another, to capture the attention of the United States.
"This is their moment to grab a piece of American mindshare for sure," Frank Ahrens, head of BGR Analytics, told Fox News Digital.
A new analysis released ahead of UNGA attempts to measure which countries already have it.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Efrat Lachter.
UKMTO: 2 dead as Strait of Hormuz vessel hit, set ablaze by unknown projectile
A cargo vessel caught fire and was left adrift in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after being struck by an unidentified projectile, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Two casualties have been reported in connection with the attack.
The agency reported that a company security officer confirmed the strike, which prompted a full evacuation of the ship's crew.
Authorities are actively investigating the incident in the strategic waterway, and UKMTO noted that there has been no reported environmental impact at this time.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Trump repeats speech hit on those claiming US weapons shortages: 'Cowards, traitors'
President Donald Trump called out the "cowards and traitors" in the U.S. claiming that a War Department weapons shortage puts American national security in peril.
"The cowards and traitors would love to say the United States is low on munitions," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "It's not true. We have more munitions than we could ever possibly think of using, and are building them up now at levels we have never seen before."
The "cowards and traitors" quip was taken directly from a piece of his Tuesday speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
The discussion of U.S. weapons stockpiles and War Department spending is a nuanced one, because as Trump pressures Iran to free the Strait of Hormuz from terrorism, the War Department and Congress are working to raise defense spending to replenish weapons supplies after years of aid for global wars.
Trump's speech excerpt:
"The cowards and traitors would love to say the United States is low and munitions, but that's not true. We have more munitions than we could ever possibly even think of using, and we're building them at levels that we have never done before. We are adding to our stockpiles faster than we have ever been able to do before – top of the line stuff. In addition, in the very near future, massive munition plants will be opening. There are 18 of them being built by the greatest defense companies in the world right now – 18 under construction – some of them very quickly, will be completed. They're almost there, and that rapid construction will be leading to very rapid deployment of missiles of every type and ammunition of every type. And we'll be able to supply our allies at a much faster rate than we're doing right now."
Trump has Iran in a ‘very difficult place,’ says retired colonel
President Donald Trump is effectively backing Iran into a position where it has to make a deal, according to a retired colonel.
Former national security advisor Robert O'Brien told Fox News' "The Story" that Trump "wants a deal" and retired Lt. Col. Hal Kempfer told "Fox News @ Night" he is convinced Trump "is coming from a position of strength."
WTI crude slips toward $90, lowest level in September, as Gulf supply outweighs diesel crunch
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil price lost 44 cents, or 0.49%, to settle at $90.08 a barrel Wednesday — touching its lowest point since Sept. 1.
The drop in WTI pricing comes as recovering Gulf crude supplies and diplomatic efforts temporarily ease the market.
The global Brent benchmark is around $100 at $99.62.
This transatlantic split is largely driven by soaring European low-sulfur gasoil premiums, which hit a record $95 a barrel over Brent.
Europe remains highly dependent on U.S. diesel and jet fuel imports following the severe disruption of Middle East supplies sparked by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Saudi Arabia successfully resumed operations on its 7-million-barrel-per-day East-West Pipeline to the Red Sea, which had been shut down following drone attacks Sept. 11. The Kingdom is also actively offering extra barrels to Asian refiners outside the contested Strait of Hormuz.
Despite President Donald Trump threatening to "annihilate" Iran, he and his envoys held productive talks with Iranian mediators. These dual-track maneuvers have injected sudden, cautious optimism that hostilities could halt.
Driving up Brent is the looming prospect of a U.S. diesel export ban. Trump voiced support for a ban to lower domestic pump prices, though market analysts and U.S. officials warn that choking off U.S. exports would exacerbate the global supply shortage and fail to cure high domestic energy costs.
For now, the reopening of Saudi infrastructure and rising Iraqi oil exports are providing much-needed relief to WTI pricing, allowing crude to find a temporary floor amid the ongoing wartime volatility.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Gaza Board of Peace working 6-month, $2.45 billion Gaza reconstruction kickstart
President Donald Trump's Board of Peace will reportedly unveil a six-month, $2.45 billion recovery plan for Gaza at a meeting of its members Wednesday, a fraction of the estimated $71.4 billion needed for the full reconstruction of the war-torn strip.
The 66-project proposal includes estimated spending for temporary housing, rubble removal, hospital repairs, economic recovery and the deployment of a multinational security force, according to Axios, citing a copy of the plan.
The White House would not confirm the report to Fox News in order to not get ahead of Trump.
The plan estimates physical damage in Gaza at $35.2 billion and says full recovery and reconstruction will require about $71.4 billion over the next decade, according to the report.
Trump set up a Board of Peace to oversee his ambitious plan to end Israel's war in Gaza.
The Board of Peace and the Palestinian government have not secured the entire $2.45 billion but are confident that, once political hurdles are cleared, donor countries will step up.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Trump hails 'a lot of momentum' for peace after shuttle talks with Iran on UNGA sidelines
The first shuttle talks between the United States and Iran for months raised for peace on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear aspirations Wednesday.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner communicated through mediators on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, the first such contacts since an interim ceasefire agreement collapsed in July.
"Steve and Jared had a very productive meeting today with mediators of Iran, merely mediators. Let's see what happens with that," President Donald Trump said. "They've been mediated for a while, but I think there's a lot of momentum for them to make a deal. It's what we're hearing from everybody."
"Today, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, we engaged in lengthy talks with the Iranian delegation through the mediators, who shuttled between the two sides throughout the day. They successfully completed a round of discussions that we hope will prove constructive and promising. The mediators will continue their work."
Reuters contributed to this report.
Israeli takes out Hamas leader; Netanyahu: 'We will not stop until there is no Hamas in Gaza'
An Israeli airstrike killed the Hamas terrorist finance chief in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
"We will not allow Hamas to rebuild its strength, and we will not stop until there is no Hamas in Gaza."
Osama Abu Khater and Mohammad Abu Elwan were confirmed killed by Gaza health officials after an Israeli airstrike hit a vehicle in western Khan Younis, in the south of the enclave.
Netanyahu and Katz issued a joint statement, as translated from Hebrew:
"A short while ago, the IDF killed Muhammad Abu Alwan, head of the Hamas terrorist organization’s finance department, in Khan Younis.
"The Prime Minister and Defense Minister commend the IDF and Shin Bet for the precise operation and for their determined efforts to thwart our enemies.
"We continue to pursue Hamas commanders and operatives, strike its sources of funding, and destroy its terrorist infrastructure. We will not allow Hamas to rebuild its strength, and we will not stop until there is no Hamas in Gaza."
Fox News' Yonat Friling and Reuters contributed to this report.
Trump talks peace for hours with Iran on sidelines of UNGA after 'annihilation' threat
President Donald Trump talked annihilation of Iran and then returned to diplomacy for hours Tuesday.
Trump urged for a quickly made peace deal and then spent hours working it through intermediaries talking to U.S. officials and Iranian leaders.
Trump accused Tehran of intentionally stalling negotiations for the midterm elections and delaying the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to blame Trump for global oil supply shortages roiling oil prices.
Yet, in a striking pivot shortly after floating the prospect of driving Iran "into hell," Trump announced that U.S. and Iranian officials had engaged in an unexpected three-hour meeting on the sidelines of the gathering.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participated in the talks, which Trump characterized as a "very good meeting."
Though specific details remain closely held, reports indicate that Iranian officials outlined their conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming broader negotiations.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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