Joe Biden at the United Nations: We Must Ensure Iran Never Acquires Nuclear Weapons

In his fourth and final speech at the United Nations General Assembly during his presidency, U.S. President Joe Biden warned that the world is once again facing a "turning point." On Tuesday, October 3rd, during his speech at the UN General Assembly, he mentioned his administration's efforts to combat climate change, eliminate global hunger, harness technological power, and address developments in the Middle East. The 79th annual session of the UN General Assembly began amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and escalating tensions between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel, which have become the main focus of discussions among world leaders. Mr. Biden referred to the hundreds of civilians killed in the attack by the extremist group Hamas on Israel 11 months ago and the taking of numerous hostages, stating, "I have met with their families. They are going through hell." The U.S. and its European allies have classified Hamas as a terrorist organization. He also addressed the situation in Gaza: "Innocent civilians in Gaza are also in hell. Thousands and thousands have been killed, including aid workers. Many families have been displaced and are facing dire humanitarian conditions in tents." Regarding a ceasefire agreement, Biden said, "Now is the time for the parties to finalize the terms, bring the hostages home, ensure the security of Israel and Gaza free from Hamas, alleviate the suffering in Gaza, and end this war." He reiterated that a full-scale war between Hezbollah and Israel is not in anyone's interest. In another part of his speech, he emphasized Tehran's role in the Middle East, stating, "Progress towards peace in the Middle East puts the world in a stronger position to confront the ongoing threat from Iran." He said, "Together we must cut off the oxygen to terrorist proxy forces and ensure that Iran never, ever obtains nuclear weapons." Biden also discussed the war in Sudan and the arming of Sudanese generals, stressing that the world must stop arming these generals. He addressed these forces in Sudan, saying, "Stop the disintegration of your country and end this war right now." Biden further highlighted the situation in Ukraine and the defense of that country against Russia as a national security priority for the U.S. and its allies: "The good news is that Putin's war to achieve his main goal has failed." He reiterated that Washington will continue its support for Kyiv until "a sustainable peace is achieved." In another part of his speech at the UN headquarters in New York, he referred to rapid technological changes in the world, saying, "We have a responsibility to prepare our citizens for the future. We will witness more technological changes, and in the next two to ten years, we will see changes that surpass the last 50 years." According to the U.S. President, "Artificial intelligence will change the ways we live, work, and wage wars." He added, "But artificial intelligence also brings profound risks, from deep fakes to misinformation, new pathogens, and biological weapons." In conclusion, Biden referred to his decision to step back from the reelection campaign as President of the United States, stating, "Being president has been the honor of my life. As much as I love this job, I love my country more. I have decided that after 50 years of public service, it is time for a new generation of leaders to take my place." At the end of his speech, he addressed world leaders, saying, "My fellow leaders, let us never forget that some things are more important than staying in power. It is your people who matter most." Biden added, "Never forget, we are here to serve the people, not the other way around. Because the future belongs to those who will fully unleash their people's capacity to breathe freely, think freely, innovate, educate, live, and love openly and without fear. This is the spirit of democracy and it belongs to no one country."