UNGA 2026: Guterres Warns of Widening Global Fault Lines as Rubio Defends Iran War
UN chief Antonio Guterres says global divisions are widening as the annual UN General Assembly opens in New York, with the Iran war, Ukraine and AI risks topping the agenda.
The annual United Nations General Assembly has opened in New York, drawing world leaders to a session expected to be shaped by the US war on Iran, Russia's war in Ukraine and the risks posed by artificial intelligence.
Addressing the gathering, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the world's fault lines are widening, setting a sombre tone for a meeting that brings together heads of state and government from across the globe.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio used his remarks to defend the American military campaign against Iran, a conflict that has become one of the most divisive issues before the assembly.
Russia's continuing war in Ukraine is also set to feature prominently in the discussions, alongside growing international concern over the dangers associated with rapid advances in artificial intelligence.
The debates in New York reflect a multilateral system under strain, with major powers at odds over security crises and emerging technologies. The session is expected to continue over the coming days as leaders deliver their national addresses.