WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump heads to the United Nations this week as he weighs what he has called a “big decision” on whether to launch new strikes against Iran’s ruling regime.
Nearly 130 world leaders are expected in New York for the 81st U.N. General Assembly, opening Tuesday amid continuing wars in Iran, Gaza and Ukraine. Trump is scheduled to address the gathering Tuesday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are expected to speak Wednesday.
The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, now nearing its seventh month, is expected to hang over the meetings. Trump recently said he is weighing whether to “annihilate” Iran’s regime, while Tehran has warned that any new U.S. attack would bring retaliation against American bases and interests across the region.
Tensions escalated Monday when a tanker entering the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an “unknown projectile,” according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. Two crew members suffered minor injuries, but the vessel continued toward its next port under its own power. No environmental damage was immediately reported.
Iran has asserted control over much of the key waterway since the war began Feb. 28. In peacetime, the strait carried about 20 million barrels of oil daily — roughly one-fifth of the world’s supply — but tanker traffic remains well below normal levels.
Before the U.N. meetings, Trump is scheduled to meet Monday with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion. The mayor’s office said the discussion will focus on issues “affecting New York City and New Yorkers.”
It will be Trump’s first meeting with Mamdani at the mayoral residence, though the two have met previously despite their stark political differences.