Four major conflicts involving the United States and Iran, Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Russia and Ukraine, and Sudan’s rival military factions have dominated diplomatic discussions as world leaders gather in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The high-level General Debate opened on Tuesday, September 22, bringing heads of state, heads of government and senior representatives to UN headquarters amid growing concerns over armed conflicts, civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian emergencies. The General Debate runs from September 22 to 26 and resumes on September 28.
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Although the Assembly is also addressing climate change, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, health, sea-level rise and reform of the international system, the four conflicts have taken centre stage because of their international ramifications and humanitarian consequences.
US-Iran Conflict
The war between the United States and Iran has emerged as one of the most immediate security crises confronting world leaders at the Assembly.
US President Donald Trump used his September 22 address to defend the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, warning that Washington could take further action if an agreement to end the conflict is not reached. He also indicated that diplomacy remained possible.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also attending the General Assembly, while Iranian officials have indicated that Tehran is prepared to pursue diplomatic discussions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was open to meeting Iranian representatives, although no meeting had been scheduled at the time of his remarks.
The confrontation has implications beyond the battlefield, particularly for Middle Eastern security, energy markets and international shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz is a particular concern because of its importance to global oil transportation. Iran has indicated that it could reopen the strategic waterway if US military pressure is eased and its blockade is lifted.
Diplomatic discussions are therefore focused on preventing further escalation, the future of Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
Gaza War
The war in Gaza is another major focus of the General Assembly, with attention centred on Palestinian casualties, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, humanitarian access and the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
More than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its military campaign following the October 2023 Hamas attack, according to Palestinian health authorities cited in recent international reporting. The reported figure does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement and extensive damage to homes and essential infrastructure, while humanitarian organisations continue to face severe challenges in providing assistance.
Allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian law, including allegations of genocide against Israel, remain a major issue at the UN. A UN-backed Independent International Commission of Inquiry has previously concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza, a finding rejected by Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to present Israel’s position, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to address the Assembly by video after being unable to attend in person.
The wider diplomatic debate includes Palestinian statehood, the two-state solution, humanitarian access, reconstruction and accountability under international law.
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Russia-Ukraine War
The Russia-Ukraine war is also occupying a prominent place in UN diplomacy, as international efforts to find a path towards ending the conflict continue alongside renewed fighting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in New York holding talks with world leaders, including President Trump, as Kyiv seeks international backing and security guarantees.
Trump has continued to press for an end to the war, while Ukraine has sought stronger guarantees for its security and protection for civilian and energy infrastructure.
The conflict remains a wider international security issue, affecting relations between Russia, the United States and European countries, as well as sanctions, energy security, Black Sea shipping and global food supplies.
For the United Nations, the war remains a major test of the organisation’s ability to promote peaceful settlement of disputes and uphold the principles of the UN Charter.
Sudan War
Sudan’s devastating conflict is also receiving significant attention as world leaders confront one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies.
The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces began in April 2023 and has caused widespread deaths, displacement and destruction.
The exact death toll remains difficult to establish because many areas affected by the fighting are inaccessible. The humanitarian crisis, however, is clearly immense. The United Nations estimates that nearly 34 million people in Sudan require humanitarian assistance, while more than 4.5 million have fled the country.
The conflict has also fuelled hunger, disease outbreaks and the collapse of essential health and social services. The UN says Sudan’s health system has been severely disrupted, while millions face acute food insecurity and limited access to medical care.
Diplomatic efforts are focused on securing an immediate cessation of hostilities, protecting civilians, expanding humanitarian access and establishing a political process capable of ending the war.
Global Consequences
Although the four conflicts have different causes and actors, their consequences extend well beyond their immediate theatres.
The US-Iran conflict threatens wider Middle Eastern stability and international energy and shipping routes. The Gaza war remains a major humanitarian and international-law issue while keeping Palestinian statehood at the centre of diplomatic discussions.
The Russia-Ukraine war continues to shape European security and relations among major powers, while Sudan’s conflict has produced mass displacement, hunger and a humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres used his final General Assembly address before leaving office at the end of 2026 to call for an end to wars, stronger international cooperation and renewed commitment to multilateralism. He also highlighted the need for action on artificial intelligence, climate change and other global challenges.
The prominence of the four conflicts at the 81st General Assembly has consequently placed peace, civilian protection, humanitarian assistance and diplomacy at the centre of the gathering, even as world leaders debate the broader challenges facing the international community.
