The Middle East is set to dominate discussions at the United Nations General Assembly as regional leaders gather in New York to address escalating conflicts and growing uncertainty across the region. With ongoing warfare involving Iran, renewed Houthi attacks, and a protracted humanitarian and political crisis in Gaza, world leaders are grappling with the question of what lies ahead for one of the globe’s most volatile areas.
Data from recent diplomatic movements suggest that key regional powers—including Jordan, Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt—are preparing to speak during the annual General Debate, which commenced on September 22. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also confirmed to attend, underscoring the critical nature of security and diplomacy in the region.
President Donald Trump is anticipated to hold bilateral discussions with Gulf leaders on the sidelines of the UNGA, focusing on the widening Iran conflict and its implications for regional stability. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz emphasized the importance of direct engagement with Middle Eastern partners, stating that these meetings offer a vital platform for candid dialogue and strategic coordination.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Donald Trump attend a multilateral meeting on Gaza with several Muslim country leaders during the 80th United Nations General Assembly at the U.N. Headquarters in New York, United States, on September 23, 2025. (Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Regional analysts note that the protracted war with Iran has reshaped the strategic dynamics throughout the Middle East, opening new possibilities for energy cooperation and deeper alliances between Israel and certain Arab nations. Senior fellow Rich Goldberg of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies described how current geopolitical shifts are enabling unprecedented collaboration in sectors such as energy infrastructure.
Goldberg highlighted the potential for constructing cross-border pipelines that could transport Gulf oil and gas directly to Mediterranean markets, possibly transiting through Israel. Such initiatives, he argued, would not only diversify supply chains but also diminish reliance on maritime routes like the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Nevertheless, threats to global energy security have expanded beyond Hormuz. The Houthis’ aggressive maneuvers along Yemen’s Red Sea coast have intensified concerns regarding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a second major chokepoint vital to international shipping. Analysts from the Washington Institute, including April Longley Alley and Allison Minor, recently observed that the group’s advances have disrupted long-standing equilibria along Yemen’s western coastline.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas is displayed on a screen as he speaks remotely during a United Nations Summit on Palestinians at U.N. headquarters during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Sept. 22, 2025. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza continues to pose complex diplomatic hurdles. While Arab states advocate for a peaceful resolution grounded in a two-state framework, disagreements persist with Israel over the future governance and sovereignty of the territory. In a coordinated statement issued on September 6, foreign ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Indonesia, and Pakistan reaffirmed their opposition to forced displacement of Palestinians and reiterated calls for a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem designated as its capital.
The statement also cautioned against unilateral actions that might derail ongoing efforts toward stability, particularly those that could undermine broader peace initiatives backed by international actors.
Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz is joined by Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei of Bahrain (left), Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates Mohamed Issa Abushahab (right) and other Gulf states ambassadors as he speaks to reporters after the passing of a U.N. Security Council draft resolution on the situation with ships in the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, 2026, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Qatar has notably criticized both Iranian-backed militias and Houthi aggression targeting Saudi Arabia and Red Sea commerce, even as it maintains its commitment to addressing the Palestinian cause. The dual stance reflects the delicate balancing act many Arab capitals face as they navigate competing pressures from regional rivals and global stakeholders.
In a separate development, European allies have signaled renewed activism on the Israeli-Palestinian front. On September 8, the leaders of France, Britain, and Canada announced plans to impose restrictions on imports originating from Israeli settlements and to consider punitive measures against individuals or entities facilitating settlement expansion. These nations further committed to co-hosting a high-level session during the UNGA aimed at revitalizing momentum toward a two-state solution—one year after recognizing Palestinian statehood themselves.
Amid mounting scrutiny, diplomatic access remains contentious. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was denied entry into the United States for the second year running, prompting the General Assembly to approve a remote participation arrangement for his address. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s upcoming visit occurs against the backdrop of looming national elections in Israel slated for October 27—the nation’s first vote since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks—amid declining global approval ratings for Tel Aviv’s policies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at U.N. headquarters in New York City, Sept. 26, 2025. (Jeenah Moon/Reuters)
For U.S. policymakers, striking the right balance between safeguarding strategic ties with Israel and responding to mounting criticism over Gaza represents a formidable challenge. Behind the scenes, Goldberg expects quieter negotiations centered around security assurances, containment strategies vis-à-vis Iran, and collaborative frameworks for enhancing infrastructural resilience among allied states.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian (C) walks on his way to a bilateral meeting with France’s President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York City on Sept. 24, 2025. (Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images)
He added that while public rhetoric may emphasize traditional stances on Palestinian rights and condemnation of Israeli policies, private dialogues are likely to prioritize pragmatic outcomes related to defense partnerships, deterrence against Iranian influence, and joint ventures in energy development.
Looking ahead, the question of normalization between Israel and additional Arab states—including potential adherence to updated Abraham Accords—remains a topic of intense negotiation. As Goldberg put it: “What path forward can the U.S. offer regional leaders that supports their domestic needs—from energy independence to border security—while simultaneously advancing the cause of peace and mutual recognition?”
