Lavrov pointed to European calls to strengthen military readiness by 2030, warning that increased investment in weapons could eventually contribute to an escalation.

“Europe is preparing for war with us,” he said, suggesting that growing military capabilities could become a “self-fulfilling prophecy”.

Lavrov maintained that Russia did not intend to initiate a conflict with Europe but warned that Moscow would not retreat if confronted. “As the president said, we will not back down,” he added.

Sharif also defended the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, saying it was intended to promote defence, stability and peace rather than target another country. On the war in the region, he renewed Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, and called for an end to Israeli military action in Lebanon and Syria.

“If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened and normal maritime passage restored within seven days. The choice now rests with the United States ,” he said.

Araghchi said Washington would first have to fulfil existing commitments, allowing Iran to reopen the strait on the sixth day and resume negotiations the following day. He maintained that Tehran remained open to diplomacy but would not accept “coercion, threat or intimidation”.

The Iranian foreign minister also rejected claims that Tehran was close to developing a nuclear weapon, calling them a “big lie” and insisting the country's nuclear programme remained peaceful.

The Strait of Hormuz has been a major pressure point since the US-Iran conflict began in late February, with disruption to the key oil and gas shipping route driving up energy prices and reducing maritime traffic. US and Iranian representatives held indirect contacts during the UN General Assembly, but Washington had not announced whether it would accept Tehran's proposal.

Shah also thanked India and China for their assistance after catastrophic flash floods and debris flows struck Nepal in August, killing more than 1,300 people and leaving thousands missing. He said other countries, UN agencies, humanitarian organisations and people around the world had also supported Nepal as the country responded to the disaster.

Netanyahu had accused Turkey of spreading what he called antisemitic claims, hosting Hamas leaders and other actions, while describing Erdogan as a “tyrant”. Dozens of delegates left the General Assembly hall as Netanyahu began speaking on Thursday, amid growing international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza .

Rodríguez stressed that the conditions leading up to the election would be crucial, arguing that “an election must be a solution, not a generator of irreconcilable conflicts”.

On foreign policy, she called for stronger cooperation with the United States and thanked President Donald Trump for his willingness to restore diplomatic ties. She said both governments were discussing cooperation on energy, security and economic issues.

Rodríguez also reaffirmed Venezuela's claim over the Guayana Esequiba territory and called for renewed negotiations with Guyana. She also addressed Venezuelans living abroad, saying the country should become one “that many will want to return to”.

He said his government would pursue a “peaceful, practical and effective” defence of Argentina's position and called for negotiations towards a peaceful solution.

Milei also criticised the United Kingdom over what he described as unauthorised commercial activity in the disputed territory.

The Argentine president used his address to criticise the UN more broadly, arguing that it had moved away from its founding principles of resolving international disputes through diplomacy.

Mahama will present “A Sovereign Future for Health ,” a report proposing reforms to health financing, manufacturing, procurement and accountability.

The programme will also highlight Mother Africa ’s maternal and child survival campaign, the Kigali-based Sankoree Institute of Global Negotiators and Masterkey, a proposed digital wallet for verified qualifications and work records.

Participants include Kenyan President William Ruto, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The event starts at 8 p.m. GMT and will be streamed live on YouTube . Watch here: