Trump At UNGA: Will Use New Tariff Powers If Needed To End Ukraine War

US Politics: Trump’s Media Clash Intensifies Ahead of Midterm Elections, Three Outlets Challenge White House Ban

ABP News Bureau — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 09:24:47 +0530

US President Donald Trump is facing a fresh clash with the American media ahead of the November midterm elections. Trump has barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them of unfavorable or “fake” coverage. The three outlets have challenged the decision in federal court, arguing that the restrictions violate First Amendment protections and due process. During Trump’s meeting with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Mamdani publicly emphasized that journalists should be welcomed regardless of their opinions or criticism. Trump defended his decision, saying the media also has an obligation in its reporting. The dispute has revived broader questions over the limits of presidential authority over White House press access and the constitutional protections afforded to journalists. The current legal battle follows earlier disputes between the Trump administration and major news organizations over press access.

US Politics: Trump’s Approval Rating Falls to 32%, Iran War Adds to Midterm Pressure

ABP News Bureau — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 09:24:39 +0530

US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to a career-low 32%, according to a September Reuters/Ipsos poll. The survey found growing dissatisfaction with his handling of the cost of living and the ongoing Iran war, with only 17% approving of his handling of living costs. His approval among Republicans also fell from 82% to 73% in a week. The Iran conflict and higher fuel prices are also creating differences within the Republican Party. Senate candidates Ashley Hinson of Iowa and Mike Rogers of Michigan have called for a swift end to the war and proposed measures such as suspending gas taxes or limiting diesel exports to ease fuel costs. Both had previously supported Trump’s authority regarding Iran. With the November 3 midterm elections approaching, economic pressure, fuel prices and disagreements over the Iran war have become prominent issues for Trump and Republican candidates. Polling reflects current public sentiment, but it does not by itself establish how the elections will turn out.

US-Iran Talks: Trump Signals Possible Deal After Warning Iran at UN

ABP News Bureau — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 09:20:42 +0530

US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran from the United Nations General Assembly, saying that if no deal is reached, the situation could escalate dramatically. However, shortly after his remarks, reports emerged that US and Iranian representatives were back at the negotiating table. Trump confirmed that his envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff had held a three-hour meeting with Iranian mediators. Speaking to the media in New York, Trump said the discussions had produced several important and positive ideas and that progress was being made on multiple points through intermediaries. Steve Witkoff also described the first round of discussions as productive, while Trump said there was momentum toward a possible agreement. He added that the situation could move quickly in either direction if a deal is not reached. The talks, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, have renewed international attention on the possibility of a diplomatic understanding between Washington and Tehran.

PM Modi Likely To Visit US For G20 Summit In December, Trump Meeting In Focus

Bharathi SP — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:56:43 +0530

PM Modi Trump Meet: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to the United States in December to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in Florida, where US President Donald Trump is scheduled to host leaders from across the world, people familiar with the matter said. The summit is set to take place on December 14 and 15 at the Trump National Doral Miami resort. If Modi travels to the US, a bilateral meeting with Trump is likely to be among the key engagements on the sidelines of the summit. The proposed meeting comes at a significant point in India-US relations, particularly as the two countries continue discussions on trade.

While New Delhi has not formally announced Modi's visit, an official confirmation is expected closer to the event, as per reports.

Modi-Trump Meet

A meeting between Modi and Trump would come amid ongoing negotiations over bilateral trade and concerns surrounding Washington's tariff measures on Indian imports. The issue of India's continued purchases of Russian oil has also emerged as a major point of contention, with the US threatening tariffs of up to 100 per cent on Indian goods in connection with the purchases.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has said Modi is among the leaders Trump is particularly keen to meet during the G20 gathering. Gor has also indicated that Modi's US visit could involve engagements beyond the summit itself.

ALSO READ: Trump’s 37-Minute UNGA Speech Puts ‘America First’ At Centre, From Iran Threat To Cuba Warning: Highlights

The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, in June. Their discussions covered trade, defence, energy and technology, along with progress towards an interim bilateral trade agreement.

Quad Meet In Focus

Preparations are also reportedly underway for a possible meeting of the Quad leaders around the same period.

The grouping brings together India, the United States, Japan and Australia. A Quad leaders' summit, if scheduled alongside the G20, could add another major diplomatic engagement to Modi's proposed December itinerary.

Gor had earlier said Washington would be pleased to welcome Modi back to the US and referred to an invitation extended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his India visit. "Secretary Marco Rubio invited PM Modi while visiting him. We love to have him back here. And I know he's coming in December for the G20," Gor said at the IX USISPF Leadership Summit 2026, as per reports.

Gor has also spoken about the importance of maintaining close engagement between Washington and New Delhi.

Canada Visit Expected

Modi's proposed December travel schedule could also include Canada, where Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that he expects to host his Indian counterpart.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Carney pointed to progress in India-Canada trade negotiations and described the bilateral relationship as important across several areas.

ALSO READ: Trump Backs India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, Calls For Energy Routes To Bypass Iran

Trade Talks In Spotlight

The potential December meetings come as India and the US continue to work through differences over trade and tariffs.

For New Delhi, Modi's possible discussions with Trump could provide an opportunity to take up bilateral economic issues at the leadership level. Any formal schedule, however, will depend on the finalisation of the prime minister's travel plans and the official programme for the G20 summit.

With the G20, a possible Quad meeting and a Canada visit potentially falling within the same period, Modi's December itinerary could involve multiple high-level engagements across North America.

Trump’s 37-Minute UNGA Speech Puts ‘America First’ At Centre, From Iran Threat To Cuba Warning: Highlights

Bharathi SP — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:34:49 +0530

US President Donald Trump used his 37-minute address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to outline a foreign policy centred on American power, national interests and resistance to international constraints on Washington. The speech touched on Iran, artificial intelligence, the International Criminal Court, Venezuela and Cuba, with Trump repeatedly challenging international institutions and rules that he sees as limiting US action.

Iran was at the heart of the address, with Trump presenting the confrontation with Tehran as a choice between reaching an agreement and resorting to military action.

Trump's Iran Warning

Trump said Washington faced a major decision over whether a diplomatic agreement with Iran could create a path towards rebuilding relations. Trump said, "I have a big decision to make — will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country?"

He then described military action as the alternative, using unusually stark language while discussing the possibility of eliminating the Islamic Republic.

"Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival?" he said.

ALSO READ: ‘I Stopped India-Pakistan War’: Trump Repeats Claim At UNGA, Says Shehbaz Thanked Him

The remarks came as the confrontation with Iran entered its seventh month, placing the issue at the centre of Trump's address to the global gathering.

Pushback On Global Rules

Trump also used the UN platform to oppose international efforts to establish common rules for artificial intelligence.

The US president indicated that Washington would not sign onto a global framework governing AI, reflecting his broader argument that international arrangements should not restrict US decision-making.

He also urged countries to distance themselves from the International Criminal Court, which was established to prosecute individuals accused of serious international crimes, including war crimes.

Venezuela also featured in Trump's remarks. While discussing Washington's control over the country's oil reserves following the removal of its government by US forces, Trump said, "to the victor belong the spoils."

ALSO READ: Trump Backs India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, Calls For Energy Routes To Bypass Iran

Cuba And Venezuela

Trump's comments extended beyond the immediate Iran confrontation as he outlined his approach to governments he regards as adversarial to Washington.

Cuba was among the countries mentioned during the address, with Trump warning that the island nation "will fall."

His comments on Venezuela, meanwhile, linked US military action with control over the country's energy resources, adding another dimension to his broader argument about American interests and power.

Tensions Inside UN

Trump's speech came after outgoing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned about the risks posed by artificial intelligence. Guterres specifically addressed the prospect of autonomous weapons, declaring that "killer robots must have no place in our future."

The contrast highlighted a broader divide over how governments should respond to emerging technologies and international security threats.

Other leaders also used the General Assembly to raise concerns about developments in the Middle East.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani warned that Palestinians were facing a critical moment amid Israel's continued settlement expansion in the West Bank.

The day's speeches reflected competing views on international security, territorial disputes and the role of global institutions, with several leaders also criticising US conduct on the world stage.

Trump Backs India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, Calls For Energy Routes To Bypass Iran

Bharathi SP — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 07:58:26 +0530

US President Donald Trump has backed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), saying the ongoing conflict in the region has highlighted the need for alternative routes to transport energy without relying on infrastructure linked to Iran.

Addressing a gathering of Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump said attacks targeting commercial shipping had demonstrated the risks facing existing energy networks in the Middle East. "...Iran's terrorist attacks on commercial shipping in neighboring countries have shown the need to shift Middle East energy infrastructure away from the Iranian checkpoints. That's why my administration strongly supports the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and other places in the form of getting oil out, whether it's pipelines or anything else," Trump said.

Trump Backs IMEC

Trump's endorsement comes as the conflict has disrupted established shipping and energy routes in the region. He said the situation had made it increasingly important to develop infrastructure capable of moving energy through alternative pathways.

The US president also presented the current moment as an opportunity for wider regional cooperation, arguing that long-standing challenges could be addressed through closer coordination among countries in the region. "Together, we're on the verge of overcoming challenges that have plagued this region for decades..." he said.

Advancing efforts for a safer, more prosperous Middle East.

The Gulf Cooperation Council meets in New York City. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/wInPPW1Nrh
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 22, 2026

ALSO READ: ‘I Stopped India-Pakistan War’: Trump Repeats Claim At UNGA, Says Shehbaz Thanked Him

Trump also described the leaders attending the gathering as important partners in Washington's efforts to pursue greater stability and economic prosperity across the Middle East. He said, "It is an honor to be here with some of America's greatest and closest friends, allies, and partners to continue our effort toward a safer and more prosperous Middle East."

Hormuz Disruption

The push for alternative energy routes comes amid disruption to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important passages for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

The conflict, which began after US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has led to a significant decline in vessel movement through the waterway. The disruption has prompted Gulf oil producers and international buyers to explore alternative options for transporting energy.

Around 20 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz each day in 2025. The waterway also handled nearly one-fifth of global LNG trade, making it a critical link in international energy supply chains.

Any prolonged disruption to the route can therefore affect the movement of energy and create wider implications for global markets and prices.

ALSO READ: National Herald Case: Sonia-Rahul File Reply In Delhi HC, Oppose ED’s Plea

How IMEC Works

IMEC was unveiled during the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi as a major connectivity initiative linking India, the Middle East and Europe.

The proposed corridor consists of two principal routes. The Eastern Corridor is planned to connect Indian ports, including Mundra and Kandla, with major Gulf ports such as Fujairah and Jebel Ali.

From the Gulf, the Northern Corridor would run across Saudi Arabia and Jordan before reaching Israel's Haifa Port. From there, the network is intended to connect with European destinations, including Piraeus and Marseille.

The broader project envisages a combination of maritime shipping routes, rail and road connectivity, as well as energy and digital infrastructure.

'Intense violence; we were prepared for it': Nani on 'A' certification to 'The Paradise'

PTI — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:46:50 +0530

Mumbai, Sep 22 (PTI): South Indian actor Nani on Tuesday said the team behind his upcoming film 'The Paradise' were prepared for an "A" certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as the movie features high-intensity action and violence.

Set in the slums of 1980s Secunderabad, the period action drama follows the story of a marginalised tribe, stripped of fundamental rights and faced with social discrimination. A fierce man named, Jadal (Nani), challenges this systemic oppression.

The film received an "A" certificate from the CBFC ahead of its worldwide release on September 24, with Nani saying the makers understand that this could restrict certain sections from watching the film, but added that the story goes beyond its elements of violence.

"I understand where it is coming from; there's a lot of violence. For example, there are films which are solely focused on violence; like violence for the sake of violence. But 'The Paradise' is not like that," the actor told reporters at a press conference here.

Describing 'The Paradise' as a solid drama, packed with emotion, the actor said he is hopeful that those who watch the film will connect with the story.

"Everybody will relate to it whatever the age group, but children can't (watch it) because there's violence.

“However, everything that happens in the film, is what we see and relate, there's drama, emotion, and love, but the violence portion is little higher. So, we were prepared for it ('A' certification) while shooting."

Nani said with 'The Paradise', the attempt is to bring back the emotional intensity he has associated with commercial films while growing up.

He cited the example of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Baazigar', where he felt emotions were "intense and deep", and said, "Today, usually in commercial films, emotions and intensity are lacking, because the idea is to include songs and action."

"But in our childhood, we've seen high octane drama in commercial films; that essence is missing in today's cinema. For instance, when the hero is fighting the villain, we don't root for him, we don't feel the anger or depth of it. 'The Paradise' brings back that intensity; we want you to feel the raw emotions," the actor said.

Responding to a query about Bengaluru court granting an interim injunction to the producers of 'The Paradise' and restraining circulation of defamatory content on social media, Nani said the move is aimed at AI and bot-generated material and does not target genuine reviews.

The court found the posts went beyond fair criticism and could cause irreparable financial and reputational harm to the makers. Earlier, a similar legal relief was granted to Yash-starrer 'Toxic'.

Actors Mohan Babu, Kayadu Lohar, Sonali Kulkarni and Raghav Juyal round out the cast of the film, which is slated to arrive in theatres on September 24.

Kulkarni, who plays Nani's mother Sammakka in the film, said she was initially "amazed" how audiences react when female actors take on mother roles.

"After 26 years, I'm back to playing a mother and this time, I've many more scenes with my son (Nani) than I had with Hrithik Roshan in 'Mission Kashmir'. Then, I had just one scene with Hrithik," she said, adding that there's "beauty in growing up".

"The scenes are written very well and I've no complaints. I've many scenes with Nani. We enjoyed our takes, they were filed with emotion, it was like a 'jugal-bandi'," she said.

Juyal, who plays the antagonist in the film, said after having worked in a South-language film, he was amazed to see how cinema and the contribution of technicians are celebrated.

"I've realised one thing; people celebrate and respect cinema over there (in South), they celebrate the work of technicians as well. I want to bring that wave across India," he said, referring to the Telugu movie star as Nani dada, a universal star.

'The Paradise' reunites Nani and director Srikanth Odela after their 2023 hit 'Dasara'. It is produced by SLV Cinemas. PTI KKP SSG ARB

ARB

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

2019 Easter bombings: Sri Lankan court sentences 15 accused to over 200 years in prison each

PTI — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:45:01 +0530

Colombo, Sept 22 (PTI): A Sri Lankan court on Tuesday found 15 of the 24 accused guilty of involvement in the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide attacks and sentenced them each to over 200 years in prison.

Nine suicide bombers belonging to the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat, linked to ISIS, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three Catholic churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, 2019, killing nearly 270 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500.

The fifteen accused have been sentenced to 220 years of rigorous imprisonment each by the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar.

The court also ordered the confiscation of their movable and immovable property by the State.

The three-judge High Court Trial-at-Bar comprising Judges Navaratne Marasinghe, Ramanathan Kannan and Sujeewa Nissanka on Tuesday announced its verdict, convicting 15 accused, while acquitting nine others.

Mohammadu Ebrahim Mohammdu Naufer alias Naufar Moulavi, the prime accused, was among those convicted by the court after the trial, which lasted nearly five years.

Initially, 25 accused were charged for their role in the bombings. As one of the suspects died, 24 were indicted in October 2021.

A total of 23,270 charges were filed against them, and 2,309 witnesses testified for the prosecution.

The accused were charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for murder and attempted murder, conspiracy to commit terrorism, aiding and abetting, and possessing and handling firearms and explosives.

Naufar's links to extremist Zaharan Hashim, the leader of the National Thowhith Jamaath, were also investigated. Hashim was one of the suicide bombers who carried out the blast at the Shangri La Hotel.

In July, former police chief Pujith Jayasundera and Hemasiri Fernando, the then top bureaucrat in the Ministry of Defence, were handed the death sentence after being found guilty of criminal dereliction of duty for failing to act on prior intelligence that could have prevented the attacks.

The attack stirred a political storm as then President Maithripala Sirisena and then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe were blamed for their inability to prevent the attacks despite prior intelligence being made available.

A presidential panel of inquiry appointed by Sirisena after the attacks ironically found the then-president guilty of his failure to prevent the attacks.

Sirisena, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge in the case filed after the panel's findings.

Sirisena and the top defence hierarchy were ordered to pay multiple millions of rupees as compensation to the kith and kin of the blast victims in the fundamental rights petitions verdicts delivered in 2023. PTI CORR ZH RD RD

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

Netanyahu Hits Back At Mamdani, Says ‘Shame On You’ Over Gaza

Sagarika Chakraborty — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:47:48 +0530

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani have traded sharp accusations over the Israel-Hamas war and the situation in Gaza, days before Netanyahu is due to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Netanyahu lashed out at Mamdani in a social media video on Tuesday, criticising the progressive mayor over his stance on Palestine.

“Shame on you, Mr. Mamdani,” Netanyahu said. “Shame on you for supporting the Hamas terrorist monsters who butchered our people. Shame on you for inciting riots against New York Jews. I'm coming to the UN. I'm going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I've got to tell the truth about you.”

Netanyahu is slated to arrive in New York on Thursday for the United Nations General Assembly, where he will address the gathering. Reuters reported that Netanyahu said he would use his UN appearance to defend Israel’s military actions and respond to criticism from Mamdani.

Mamdani Hits Back At Netanyahu

Responding to Netanyahu's remarks at a press conference on Tuesday, Mamdani said: “We all know that what the prime minister has said in that video is not true.”

“What we do know to actually be the truth when it comes to the prime minister is that he is the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. And as the prime minister, he is the architect of a horrific genocide against Palestinians. And just a few days ago, killed an 11-year-old boy in what is deemed to be a safe zone in Gaza.”

The ICC warrant referenced by Mamdani concerns allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity; the allegations remain contested.

Mamdani's Earlier Comments On Netanyahu

Netanyahu's video came after Mamdani, a strong supporter of Palestinian statehood, called the prime minister “an architect of genocide” in an interview with CNN on Monday.

“If the International Criminal Court deems someone worthy of an arrest because of a violation of those laws, then who are we to say that anyone should be above that?” Mamdani told CNN.

During his campaign for mayor, Mamdani vowed to honour the ICC's warrant if the prime minister ever came to the city. The mayor later conceded that he did not have the power to do so. Reuters has also reported that Mamdani previously said he would arrest Netanyahu but later acknowledged that he lacked the authority to do so.

Criticism Over Mamdani's Comments

Some Israeli officials and representatives of Jewish advocacy groups have criticised Mamdani's past comments, saying they contribute to a rise in antisemitic violence.

Mamdani has defended his criticism of Israel and has said that criticism of Israel is wrongly conflated with antisemitism, according to Reuters.

The exchange comes as Netanyahu prepares for his UN appearance in New York, where his remarks on Israel's military actions and the Gaza war are expected to draw further international scrutiny.

Trump At UNGA: Will Use New Tariff Powers If Needed To End Ukraine War

PTI — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:08:02 +0530

New York, Sep 22 (PTI) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he will use, if necessary, the enormous tariff authorities provided to him under a new law to end the “disastrous war” between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump on Friday signed the ‘Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026’, which authorises the US President to impose steep tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the top five importers of crude oil and gas from Moscow, including China and India, contending that the trade has been a key source for funding the war in Ukraine.

“We continue to seek an end to the disastrous war between Russia and Ukraine, which is killing tens of thousands of people per month,” Trump said in his address to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

“Last week, in honour of Senator Lindsey Graham, I signed a powerful new law passed by Congress providing me with enormous new tariff authorities — and if necessary, I will use them,” Trump said.

“It is time to stop the killing,” he said.

The Act also seeks to impose sanctions on Russia's leadership and energy sector -- as well as on collaborators in Moscow's defence industry and its so-called shadow fleet.

The Act also exempts the purchase of Russian uranium by the US for its nuclear reactors and medical isotopes requirements, and also activities carried out under US-Russia cooperation in the space sector.

India has said it remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people, and it will continue to do so through diversified sourcing, in response to the US’ Russia sanctions legislation.

(Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)