State leaders

EU defence discussions in Brussels are being overshadowed by an unresolved shortfall in funding for Ukraine. As member states weigh future support, the funding gap has become a central sticking point, raising questions over how Europe will sustain military and financial aid to Kyiv and what role the bloc will play if United States backing remains uncertain.

Iran's president addressed the United Nations while the country is at war, an unusual move for an Iranian leader during active conflict. The speech is drawing wide attention as diplomats and observers look for signals about Tehran's position on the fighting, potential negotiations, and its standoff with the United States and Israel.

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.

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.

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.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has resigned from the presidency in order to run for prime minister in an early parliamentary vote. The populist leader's move reshuffles Serbia's political landscape, allowing him to retain power through the premiership rather than the presidency, with the election expected to determine the country's governing majority in the coming months.

Across the United States, people have been showing up in immigration courtrooms to accompany immigrants and deter ICE from detaining people at hearings. Among them is Sister Rose Patrice, a Catholic nun, whose presence supporters say can influence outcomes, since faith leaders standing beside defendants has been shown to affect how cases proceed. The practice has spread as a form of peaceful accompaniment.

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.

Hilda Heine, President of the Marshall Islands, delivered a statement during the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. As leader of a low-lying Pacific nation, her address comes at a session where climate change and sea-level rise remain central concerns for small island states. The remarks were circulated by international news outlets covering the annual gathering of world leaders in New York.

Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta, delivered his country's statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. As head of a small island state and a sitting UN Security Council non-permanent member until recently, Abela's remarks draw attention to Malta's positions on international peace, security and multilateral cooperation.

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani delivered a statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The remarks came as world leaders gathered in New York for the annual debate. Details of the speech's content and reactions to it remain limited in the available coverage.

Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington led a Mass for Migrants and said the public cannot 'pass by' the plight of immigrants, calling attention to their hardships. The remarks come amid ongoing national debate over immigration policy in the United States, with religious leaders increasingly voicing concern about the treatment of migrant communities.

The leaders of the United States, Denmark and Greenland have signed a new security agreement covering Greenland, according to a breaking announcement. The deal would touch on the Arctic island's defence arrangements, an issue of renewed attention given Washington's strategic interest in Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty over the autonomous territory.

European Union officials are confronting a shortfall in funding for Ukraine as defence negotiations proceed in Brussels. The funding gap is set to complicate agreements on the bloc's long-term support for Kyiv and its broader defence planning. Member states remain divided over how to cover the shortfall, making it a central sticking point in the current round of EU defence discussions.

President Donald Trump met with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei at the White House and rejected calls to slow the AI race with China. The meeting signals the administration's intent to keep the United States accelerating in artificial intelligence rather than pausing development for safety coordination with Beijing, a stance that divides AI industry leaders and safety advocates.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a package of new laws aimed at expanding reproductive freedom and care in the state, which California positions as a national leader on the issue. The measures broaden access to reproductive health services and reinforce the state's protections as other states restrict such care.

State leaders are drawing attention to mental health resources available to active service members returning home. The push aims to make sure veterans and transitioning troops know where to find counseling, crisis support and other services as they rejoin civilian life. Officials are encouraging families and communities to share information about the programs.