state leaders

Leaders of Pacific island nations used their addresses at the UN General Assembly in New York to spotlight the mounting threats climate change poses to their countries, including rising seas, extreme weather and threats to livelihoods and sovereignty. Their speeches press larger nations for stronger emissions cuts and support, giving small island states a prominent platform in the global climate debate.

Donald Trump is escalating a confrontation with California over the state's role as the national leader on climate policy, setting up a battle over emissions rules and the state's authority to set its own standards. The outcome is expected to shape how far states can go on climate action and how far a president can push back.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with the full address broadcast live. The speech is drawing wide attention as Israel's conduct in Gaza, regional security and relations with the United States remain central topics of international debate at this year's gathering of world leaders.

World leaders are addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York as the annual high-level debate reaches its sixth day. Heads of state and government are delivering speeches covering global conflicts, climate change and international cooperation. The general debate traditionally draws wide attention as countries outline their foreign policy priorities before the world body.

Iran has publicly stated that US President Donald Trump must choose between diplomacy and war, putting the decision over the future of relations between the two countries squarely on Washington. The statement frames Tehran as open to negotiation while warning that escalation would be the American leader's responsibility, and it comes as tensions between Iran and the United States remain a focus of international attention.

Iranian leaders have delivered sharp, defiant statements while in New York, drawing attention to the state of Iran-US diplomacy. The remarks, described in Bengali-language coverage as a war cry on American soil, signal continued hostility between Tehran and Washington despite diplomatic channels. Commentators are weighing whether the rhetoric signals a hardening stance or positioning ahead of possible negotiations.

Colorado officials are considering reducing funding for addiction recovery coaches as state Medicaid spending on these services has jumped 286%. The peer coaches, who help people stay engaged in substance-use treatment, have grown into a significant Medicaid cost line, prompting state budget writers to look for savings. Advocates warn that scaling back the program could disrupt care for people in recovery, while state leaders argue costs have grown faster than expected and need tighter oversight. No final decision has been made on the size of any cuts.

US President Donald Trump met Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a summit that is now being scrutinised for what each side actually gained. Commentators are asking whether Beijing walked away with more concessions than Washington, with trade and strategic issues at the centre of the debate over the meeting's outcome.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi delivered a statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The remarks were circulated by regional and international media covering the annual gathering of world leaders, where heads of state and government set out their countries' positions on global affairs.

Roberto Velasco Álvarez, Mexico's Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered a statement during the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. His remarks form part of the annual gathering where member states outline their positions on global affairs, multilateral cooperation and pressing international challenges before the assembly.

Hilda Heine, President of the Marshall Islands, delivered a statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. As leader of a low-lying Pacific nation, Heine has frequently used UN addresses to press for stronger global action on climate change and rising seas threatening island states. Details of her specific remarks were not available.

Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta, delivered a statement at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Details of his remarks have not been widely reported yet, so the specific positions he took remain unclear. The address places Malta among the member states setting out their national positions at this year's assembly.

Chinese automaker BYD has confirmed plans to bring an electric car with a solid-state battery to market in 2027. The move would place the world's largest EV maker among the first automakers to commercialise the technology, which promises greater energy density, faster charging and improved safety over conventional lithium-ion cells.

Oregon's attorney general is urging Congress to establish federal guidelines for artificial intelligence. The appeal reflects growing concern among state officials that AI is developing faster than existing laws can handle, leaving consumers vulnerable to fraud, privacy violations and other harms. The call adds to pressure from state leaders for Washington to create a unified national regulatory framework.