New York

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly that Iran 'will never seek to build a nuclear bomb'. The statement, carried by APT, frames Tehran's position on its nuclear programme just before Iran takes the world stage in New York, and is drawing wide attention as scrutiny of Iran's nuclear intentions remains intense.

World leaders, including Iran's representative, are delivering speeches on the second day of the 2026 United Nations General Assembly in New York, with proceedings carried live to global audiences. The addresses come amid ongoing international tensions, with the Ukraine conflict among the key topics expected to feature in leaders' remarks.

The New York Times reports that Israel has continued to take over more territory in Gaza even as a cease-fire remains formally in place. The report highlights the gap between the truce agreement and the reality on the ground, where Israeli forces have expanded control over additional areas. It is fueling debate over whether the cease-fire is holding and what it means for prospects of a lasting settlement.

The UN General Assembly, the biggest event in world diplomacy, begins this week, with world leaders gathering in New York for annual speeches and meetings. Coverage focuses on what to expect from the high-level session, including key addresses and diplomatic encounters. The event draws global attention as heads of state address pressing international issues on one stage.

The United States has rejected a United Nations declaration aimed at strengthening global preparedness for future pandemics. The move, reported by The New York Times, marks a break with international consensus on pandemic planning. Details of Washington's stated reasons and the international reaction have not yet been made fully clear, but the decision is drawing attention to tensions over global health cooperation.

Some Russian families who lost sons fighting in Ukraine say they still support the war effort and want Russia to keep fighting, according to a New York Times report. Their stance highlights how grief has not translated into opposition to the Kremlin's invasion, complicating Western assumptions that mounting casualties will erode domestic support in Russia.

The New York Times reports on the surprising reasons behind China's skepticism toward international calls for artificial intelligence safety. The piece examines how Beijing weighs competitive, political and regulatory considerations in global AI governance debates, highlighting a widening gap between Western safety appeals and China's approach to the technology.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered his final address to the UN General Assembly, warning that superpowers cannot solve the world's problems on their own. Speaking in New York, he argued that global challenges like climate change demand multilateral cooperation rather than reliance on a few dominant states. The speech, covered by the Guardian, is being shared widely as a closing message from a leader known for pressing major powers to act together.

Iranian leaders are making defiant statements on US soil during a diplomatic visit to New York, with coverage focusing on their confrontational rhetoric toward Washington. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear program and sanctions, raising questions about the future of diplomacy between Tehran and the United States.

The New York Times is questioning whether Anthropic's AI system genuinely produced a scientific discovery independently. The report examines claims that the artificial intelligence lab's model contributed original scientific findings rather than simply assisting human researchers. The story is drawing attention as labs race to show their systems can do more than answer questions, and readers are debating how much credit AI can really claim for scientific work.

SpaceX's Starship, the largest rocket ever built, is set to make its first orbital flight, according to reporting in the New York Times. The test would mark a major step for the vehicle that SpaceX intends to use for missions to the Moon and Mars. Space watchers are anticipating the launch and discussing what a successful orbital attempt would mean for the future of spaceflight.

The UFC is returning to Madison Square Garden in New York with an event headlined by French heavyweight Ciryl Gane defending his title. The bout marks the promotion's latest trip to the iconic arena, which has hosted some of its biggest cards. Fight fans and media are weighing in on Gane's latest title defense and what it means for the heavyweight division.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly delivered his country's statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The remarks form part of Egypt's annual address to the world body, where national positions on regional and international issues are presented to member states. Further details of the speech's content have not yet been widely reported.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan delivered a statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The address forms part of Pakistan's annual set-piece intervention before world leaders, where the country typically outlines its positions on regional security, Kashmir, climate pressures and economic challenges. Further details of the speech's content were not available.

The New York Times is asking which party is winning the race for control of Congress. The question points to ongoing competition between Democrats and Republicans for seats in the House and Senate, a contest that will shape legislative power in Washington. No further details about specific races, candidates or polling figures were given.

New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency as a Nor'easter storm moves through the region, forcing the cancellation of events and disrupting travel. Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads as heavy snow, strong winds and coastal flooding pose risks across the two states.

The UN General Assembly's general debate continued into its fifth day in New York, with world leaders and foreign ministers taking the rostrum to lay out their governments' positions on conflicts, climate and development. UN News is summarising the day's key speeches and moments for audiences following the annual high-level week.

A New York Times piece examines how scientists can influence public opinion on the risks of artificial intelligence, reportedly through protests and public engagement. It suggests researchers are becoming active voices in the debate over AI safety, rather than leaving the conversation to companies and regulators.

The New York Times has published tracking maps following Typhoon Surigae, one of the strongest storms recorded early in the 2021 Pacific typhoon season. The maps chart the typhoon's position and projected movement across the western Pacific. Surigae intensified rapidly over open waters, drawing attention from meteorologists and residents monitoring its potential impact on islands in the region.

The United Nations General Assembly's annual 'High-level Week' is under way, drawing heads of state and government to UN headquarters in New York for a series of speeches and diplomatic meetings. The gathering is one of the busiest weeks in the international diplomatic calendar, with world leaders addressing the assembly and holding bilateral talks on the sidelines.

Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, delivered a statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The address laid out Lebanon's position before the international community during the assembly's annual high-level week, where world leaders present their countries' priorities and concerns on global affairs.

Roberto Velasco Álvarez, Mexico's Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered Mexico's statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The address forms part of the annual gathering where member states set out their positions on international issues. No further details of the speech's content were provided.

The Trump administration is preparing a sweeping rollback of US clean car rules, according to reporting by the New York Times and Philadelphia Inquirer. The plan would weaken federal emissions standards for vehicles, undoing a centerpiece of Biden-era climate policy and easing requirements on automakers. The move is expected to trigger legal challenges from environmental groups and several states.

Brazil's upcoming presidential election is being shaped in part by Washington, as analysts and voters alike ask what Donald Trump will do next regarding the country. The New York Times reports that Trump's stance toward Brazil — and toward former president Jair Bolsonaro — has become one of the biggest open questions of the race, with observers weighing how US actions could influence the campaign and its outcome.

British authorities have arrested five men near a U.K. military base on suspicion of terrorism offences. The arrests were recorded on video and reported by the New York Times. Details about the suspects' identities, the exact location, or the nature of the alleged plot have not yet been confirmed, and officials have not said what prompted the operation.

Footage circulating online shows Donald Trump's reaction during a military jet flyover staged as part of Xi Jinping's welcome ceremony. The clip, shared widely by the New York Post, has drawn millions of engagements as viewers debate Trump's expression and what the moment signals about US-China relations.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide delivered Norway's statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The address forms part of the annual gathering where UN member states set out their positions on global security, international law and multilateral cooperation, with Norway speaking as a vocal supporter of the rules-based international order.

The New York Times reports on the backdrop to the Israel versus Ireland match, describing players with bowed heads and black armbands, along with a one-man boycott connected to the fixture. The gestures pointed to tensions surrounding the game amid the broader political context. Details of exactly who boycotted and why remain limited in the available reporting.

Haiti's Prime Minister, Alex Didier Fils-Aimé, delivered a statement during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. As Haiti continues to grapple with gang violence, political instability and a humanitarian crisis, his remarks to the world body drew attention from international observers following the country's troubled transition.

Commentators are summarising the key takeaways from this year's UN General Assembly meeting in New York. The annual gathering brings world leaders together for speeches and diplomacy, and observers are weighing what the discussions signal for global cooperation, ongoing conflicts and international priorities going forward.