A factual roundup of global events on September 23, 2026, covering the UN General Assembly, AI regulation debates, the Fed's rate decision, Middle East tensions, and global markets.
New York, United Nations Headquarters — The 81st session of the UN General Assembly continued into its second day on September 23, 2026. Leaders from around the world addressed the assembly, with artificial intelligence, the Middle East, and the global economy dominating the agenda.
Trump Rejects International AI Regulation in UN Speech
US President Donald Trump delivered a 37-minute address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday. He stated clearly that the United States "rejects any attempt to establish a globalist plan to control artificial intelligence."
"I will not strangle a thing that will be greater than the industrial revolution," Trump said. He also announced that US government documents would no longer use the term "Artificial Intelligence," instead adopting "Super Intelligence," arguing that "artificial" makes the technology sound fake.
This position stands in direct opposition to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who spoke before Trump. Guterres warned that "humanity is increasingly handing over power to machines" and called for a multilateral AI risk management framework.
Fed Officials: Inflation Risk Still Greater Than Employment Risk
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 3.75%-4.00% on September 16, the first hike since July 2023.
Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin said in a speech on September 22: "The risks around inflation remain greater than the risks around maximum employment. That is why we raised rates at last week's meeting." Barkin also left the door open for further hikes, saying "whether we need to raise further, and if so, how many times? We will have to see."
Boston Fed President Susan Collins said the same day that the risk of inflation staying above 2% is increasing, and suggested that a "slightly more restrictive federal funds rate" could help bring inflation back to target.
Middle East: Iranian Foreign Minister Meets US Envoy
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on September 22 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. According to Iranian sources, the meeting was held "at the request of the American side," and Iran agreed in order to "convey Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz."
Data from ship tracking agency Kpler showed that only 2 commercial vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on September 21, down from 10 the previous day.
In Yemen, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi warned Turkey and Pakistan against intervening in the Houthis' escalating conflict with Saudi Arabia. The Houthis said Saudi warplanes conducted 19 airstrikes on their controlled areas in the past 24 hours.
Other Notable Events
US signs security agreement with Denmark and Greenland to "strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic region" and expand US military presence on the island. The agreement preserves the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self-determination of the people of Greenland.
EU extends Russia sanctions for another 36 months, covering over 3,000 Russian individuals and entities. The sanctions will last until September 22, 2029.
Poland says it intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance plane was intercepted by Polish fighter jets about 40 kilometers from the Polish coast.
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant radiation monitoring station damaged by Ukrainian drone. According to plant officials, a radiation monitoring station about 13 kilometers from the plant was damaged.
UN Security Council to hold AI session. The Security Council is scheduled to meet on September 23 to discuss AI and international security. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman plans to attend and address AI risks. Chinese AI company DeepSeek has also been invited to brief the Council on AI risks.
What do you think about the global push for AI regulation? Should there be international rules, or should each country decide for itself? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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