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On the 22nd, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Emphasizing 'America First,' Trump highlighted the global and Western Hemisphere expansion of U.S. military and economic power while sharply criticizing multilateral bodies like the UN, accusing them of being inefficient and bogged down by bureaucracy. In contrast, he asserted that the United States has taken decisive action in conflicts worldwide, outlining the latest strategic roadmap for international security, regional politics, and frontier technologies. His speech drew polarized international reactions: several Middle Eastern and allied nations voiced support for his results-oriented approach to problem-solving, whereas delegations from Europe, Cuba, and Iran expressed discontent and lodged protests against his 'America First' unilateralism, threats to annihilate other nations, and criticism of the multilateral system.

Addressing regional security and geopolitics, Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran, demanding that allies impose comprehensive economic isolation on Tehran and warning that failure to reach a deal would result in the 'complete annihilation' of the Iranian regime. He also predicted that the Russia-Ukraine war would conclude sooner than expected, noting ongoing collaboration with both sides and the signing of legislation authorizing punitive tariffs on Russia and nations purchasing Russian energy. Furthermore, he highlighted a historic security pact signed with Denmark and Greenland, under which the U.S. military will establish two major military bases in Greenland to secure total dominance over Arctic defense and bolster NATO security.

Reaffirming the Monroe Doctrine, Trump stressed that the United States holds geostrategic primacy in the Western Hemisphere, stating that no 'foreign hostile power' will be permitted to establish a foothold or expand influence in the region. To reshape the hemispheric order, alongside military operations in Venezuela and the securing of up to 65 billion barrels of oil resources, he pledged an intensified crackdown on Cuban transnational drug cartels. Regarding international competition in AI, Trump redefined Artificial Intelligence as 'Superintelligence' (SI), vehemently opposing international regulatory frameworks and asserting that the United States must maintain unrestricted and absolute supremacy in its technological rivalry with China.

This address not only resets the strategic trajectory of future U.S. foreign and military policy, but also sends shockwaves through the post-war multilateral order—positioning the United States not merely as an ally, but as the center of the world: its leader and rule-maker.

The Trump administration has revoked the White House press credentials of journalists from CNN, Politico, and MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), alleging that their reporting consisted of 'fiction and lies.' In response, the three news organizations filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., arguing that revoking credentials without notice or due process violates the freedom of the press guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and asking the court to declare the ban unconstitutional and block its enforcement.

In protest and defense of press freedoms, five major U.S. television networks (ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, and NBC) issued a joint statement announcing the suspension of the White House television pool service, ceasing coordinated coverage and material sharing. Fox News Washington bureau chief Bryan Boughton, who was serving as pool coordinator on rotation, confirmed that the move came after the White House barred CNN from fulfilling its pool duties. As empty seats appeared in the White House briefing room, the White House launched its own in-house streaming channel, 'Trump TV,' that same day.

Trump responded aggressively on Truth Social and in public appearances, labeling the outlets 'third-rate clowns' and 'the corrupt and degenerate media.' He renewed his attacks after meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, claiming that reporters always claim they are boycotting him but 'never really do.' Notably, no television news pool accompanied Trump on his trip to New York for the United Nations.

This is not the first time the Trump administration has targeted the press. The White House had previously taken control of the pool operations from the White House Correspondents' Association—which had run them for over a century—and previously restricted access for the Associated Press (AP) over disputed terminology. While the Obama administration once sought to exclude Fox News from specific interviews, it backed down after the other four networks pushed back in solidarity; the Trump administration's current move, by contrast, constitutes a blanket ban on specific news organizations.

The White House announced that President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in New York on the afternoon of the 21st (EST). The two leaders will hold bilateral talks ahead of the high-level meetings of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The UNGA General Debate is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 26 and on September 28, gathering world leaders in New York to exchange views on international security, the economy, and geopolitical issues.

According to French sources, the meeting between Trump and Macron focused on the war in Ukraine and the shipping security crisis in the Red Sea. Following the meeting, Macron described the dialogue as "very constructive." He noted that the situation in the Red Sea is critical to global supply chains and price stability, thereby drawing significant attention from both sides. Furthermore, he directly urged the U.S. to accelerate and expand its defensive military aid to Ukraine—particularly crucial air defense equipment such as missile interceptor systems—to help the country withstand ongoing military threats.

Macron arrived in New York following a visit to the French overseas territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, during which he also met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. In addition to his bilateral talks with Trump, Macron plans to hold a sideline meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the UN General Assembly. Observers believe that as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Red Sea crisis continue to escalate, the meeting between the U.S. and French leaders will help coordinate the Western bloc's stance on security and foreign policy.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on September 19 that Iran had conveyed seven conditions to the United States through Qatar for the resumption of negotiations, in an effort to find a diplomatic solution to months of escalating tensions.

Although Tehran has not publicly disclosed all seven conditions, Rezaei said Iran’s key demands include a comprehensive ceasefire on all fronts, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, and the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade of Iran. The message has been relayed to Washington by Qatar, and Tehran is now waiting for a response from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Rezaei stressed that if the United States wants to overcome the current crisis, it must recognize Iran’s rights and accept the conditions. He said that after the collapse of the “Islamabad Memorandum,” which was signed in June but expired in August, Iran and the United States have continued indirect contacts through mediators including Qatar and Pakistan.

Some Iranian sources also said that Washington had signaled to mediating countries that it was willing to resume negotiations and reach an agreement, provided that the United States ends hostile actions, lifts the blockade and allows Iran to resume oil exports. Under those circumstances, talks on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief could potentially resume.

Despite signaling a willingness to negotiate, Iran is maintaining a tough stance. Rezaei said Iran was prepared for any escalation of the conflict, with its military deployments focused on U.S. naval forces in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.

He warned that if Iran were attacked again, its retaliation would extend to U.S. military bases as well as American commercial interests and companies in the Middle East. At the same time, he stressed that Tehran’s overall strategic goal remains to end the war as quickly as possible, adding that future developments will depend on whether Washington accepts Iran’s proposed conditions.

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland Reach Agreement on Expanding U.S. Military Deployment in Greenland

According to Reuters, the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland announced an agreement on the evening of the 18th to expand the U.S. military deployment in Greenland. The agreement prohibits any country other than the United States from establishing bases in the region. Furthermore, according to Fox News, the agreement will completely ban countries other than the U.S. from investing in and purchasing Greenland's rare earth minerals.

President Trump posted on his social media platform stating that the U.S. had reached an agreement with Denmark, granting the U.S. permanent control over Greenland's security and other needs. However, the Danish Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister of Greenland subsequently posted that any agreement reached with the United States would not compromise Greenland's sovereignty.

Specific details of the agreement, however, including the scale of the U.S. military deployment in Greenland and the extent of other related control rights, have not been disclosed. Reuters reports that the agreement is expected to be signed during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Both Denmark and Greenland hope to end the uncertainty triggered by Trump's threats to take control of Greenland over the past few months.

U.S. officials revealed that Trump has long desired to acquire Greenland. One of the reasons is the concern that if Greenland were to declare independence from Denmark, the U.S. military deployment there could be compromised. The U.S. military signed a treaty with Denmark in 1951 that allowed it to maintain a military presence in Greenland. Rich in rare earth elements, crude oil, and various minerals, coupled with its strategic geographical location along the Arctic shipping route, Greenland has long faced expansion and potential threats from Russia and China.

The Washington Post analyzed that the framework of this agreement is a three-way compromise. On one hand, President Trump can claim a victory ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. At the same time, Denmark, Greenland, and Europe can alleviate concerns that Trump's push for control over Greenland could deteriorate bilateral relations. Meanwhile, the U.S. can also use this agreement to guard against military expansion by China and Russia.

As the US-Canada trade war escalates, Canada is looking to deepen its ties with Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly invited Canada to become an 'associate member' of the European Union. However, US President Donald Trump issued a warning against the move, stressing that severe tariffs would be imposed on Europe if this was deemed a hostile act.

Von der Leyen highlighted potential areas of cooperation, including manufacturing, technology, defense, energy policy, and economic security, emphasizing that the initiative is not aimed at 'opposing anyone, but for our shared strength.' The European Commission also stressed that the proposal is not an act of hostility and is not yet finalized, as it requires the approval of EU member states to take effect.

For Mark Carney, with Trump continuing to levy tariffs on Canada and threatening its sovereignty, the EU's invitation is timely and symbolic. Carney hopes to secure greater access to markets, capital, and programs, as well as find enthusiastic partners, without formally joining the EU.

Although institutional details remain to be worked out, this underscores how the two traditional US allies are now seeking a more stable future through closer ties.

On the 16th, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 262 to 159 to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Having previously passed the Senate, the bill will be formally sent to President Donald Trump for his signature. The legislation aims to cut off Moscow's energy revenue stream to curtail Russia's military campaign in Ukraine, while also incorporating provisions such as a five-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act.

The bill grants the executive branch sweeping authority over tariffs and secondary sanctions. These include hiking tariffs on Russian imports up to a maximum rate of 500%, as well as authorizing the President to impose secondary tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy or nations assisting in sanctions evasion. It also establishes a dynamic evaluation and adjustment mechanism reviewed every 180 days: if a country's purchases of Russian energy account for less than 15% of total Russian exports and it demonstrates significant reduction efforts, secondary tariffs may be adjusted accordingly.

According to data compiled by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the top five export destinations by revenue in August 2026 were China, India, Turkey, the European Union, and Egypt. China and India have each made their positions clear and issued warnings. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that economic and trade cooperation is built on equality and mutual benefit and should not be subject to interference or coercion by third parties. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed its commitment to securing the energy needs of its 1.4 billion citizens, warning that steep tariffs would harm bilateral relations and disrupt global energy markets. On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warmly welcomed the bill, hailing it as a historic milestone to ramp up pressure on the Russian war machine and sever its oil funding.

The legislation has sparked fierce domestic debate in the United States as well. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the vote, stating it puts an end to Russia funding its war efforts via third parties. However, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks warned that the bill excessively expands presidential tariff discretion and risks harming European allies who remain reliant on Russian natural gas. Dozens of industry organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, also issued joint warnings that secondary tariffs would drive up consumer and manufacturing costs, shift financial burdens onto American consumers, and trigger retaliatory trade actions.

At an extraordinary cabinet meeting on September 15, the Japanese government approved a two-year tax relief package scheduled to take effect in April 2027. Designed to cushion the blow of persistent inflation, the core of the tax reform outline lowers the consumption tax rate on food and beverages from 8% to 1%.

The measure is valued at approximately ¥5 trillion. The government stated it will not issue new bonds to fund the reduction, leaving specific funding mechanisms to be finalized by the end of the year. This marks Japan's first consumption tax cut since the tax was introduced in 1989. With the framework now finalized, preparations—including updating retail point-of-sale (POS) systems—are set to begin in earnest.

Approval of the plan brings Sanae Takaichi one step closer to fulfilling a campaign pledge made ahead of the national election in February. Alongside the tax cut, the government plans to introduce an income-linked subsidy program in fiscal 2027 to assist low- and middle-income workers. This initiative will operate with an annual budget of roughly ¥600 billion through fiscal 2027 and 2028, with plans to expand the program starting in fiscal 2029.

Leaders of three UK devolved nations—Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales—issued a rare joint memorandum on the 14th declaring that the "Westminster era is coming to an end." They demanded the UK government prepare for constitutional reform, underscoring that their future lies within the European Union. Representing pro-independence or reunification parties (such as the SNP and Sinn Féin), the trio's initiative is viewed as a direct challenge to the central government in London. The First Ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland further called for referendums on independence or Irish unity. The development was also influenced by US President Donald Trump's remarks expressing support for Irish reunification.

In response, British Prime Minister Burnham's administration deliberately played down the threat, asserting that the priority remains tackling the cost-of-living crisis rather than engaging in constitutional disputes. Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, criticized the move, arguing it weaponizes devolved ministerial offices.

According to foreign media reports, University of Glasgow academic Nicola McEwen analyzed that while the summit carries no legal effect and will not fracture the United Kingdom in the short term, it marks the onset of regularized trilateral cooperation, increasing leverage against London. Support for Scottish independence has persisted following Brexit; although Burnham maintains that referendums are off the table, the leaders of the three nations are attempting to seize London's push for further devolution to carve out greater political space for self-governance and independence.

Okinawa’s gubernatorial election concluded on September 13, with independent newcomer Genta Kosa, jointly endorsed by six political parties including the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), defeating incumbent Governor Denny Tamaki, who had sought a third term.Kosa, 42, won more than 420,000 votes, comfortably ahead of Tamaki’s roughly 270,000 votes. His victory marks a major setback for the “All Okinawa” reformist camp, which has opposed the relocation of U.S. military bases within Okinawa. It also brings a political change in Okinawa for the first time in 12 years, with the pro-central-government camp returning to power.

After his victory, Kosa said voters had chosen a path that would allow Okinawa to continue moving forward. He said his administration would prioritize issues affecting people’s daily lives, including rising prices, industrial development, childcare and support for vulnerable families. Kosa also expressed his respect for Tamaki, who had served as governor for eight years.Tamaki said he respected the election results and accepted the decision made by voters.Kosa’s victory also makes him the youngest governor in Okinawa’s history and the first governor born after Okinawa was returned to Japanese sovereignty in 1972.

Analysts say the focus of Okinawan elections has gradually shifted from the issue of U.S. military bases toward economic and livelihood concerns. Against the backdrop of inflationary pressures and growing regional security tensions, Kosa’s platform of economic revitalization and closer cooperation with the central government successfully attracted younger and moderate voters.Observers believe that with the LDP-backed camp regaining control of the prefectural government, relations between Okinawa and Japan’s central government are likely to improve. This could facilitate security policies such as defense infrastructure development across the southwestern island chain and the deployment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, potentially having significant implications for Japan’s regional security strategy and strategic cooperation around the Taiwan Strait.