EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) — New York City is preparing for increased security, road closures and heavy traffic when world leaders arrive next week for the United Nations General Assembly. Officials expect leaders from Iran, Israel and Ukraine to be among those who will meet in the city when the annual diplomatic session begins on Monday. The caravans traveling through Manhattan are expected to cause traffic disruptions, particularly around the East Side, while security measures will be stepped up throughout the week. A strong police presence is expected to be seen on land and sea. and the sky with anti-drone equipment. There are no known specific, credible threats against the UN General Assembly, but security is being stepped up anyway. Due to expected daily protests and geopolitical tensions involving the presence of President Trump, multiple Gulf leaders, and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this year is considered a heightened security environment. “New York City is always a target,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani said his job as mayor is to make sure there is as little impact to New Yorkers as possible. President Trump and leaders from nearly 200 countries will arrive starting Sunday for the annual meeting on the east side of Manhattan. READ MORE | Days of stalemate alert loom as U.N. General Assembly comes to New York Secret Service steps up city security ahead of U.N. General Assembly “The NYPD is fully prepared and we remain vigilant,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. The commissioner said she expects an increase in protest activity over the next two weeks and said there will be no tolerance for violence or destruction of property. There is a flight restriction around the UN during the General Assembly that also applies to drones. “Do not fly a drone in restricted airspace without authorization,” said Matt McCool of the US Secret Service. The president of Iran and the prime minister of Israel will be very close, but the safety and security plan is solid, “no matter what kind of instability” fills the world, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner said. “Nothing should be interpreted in any particular movement,” he added. The US Secret Service will transport up to 200 dignitaries and their families in motorcades throughout the city. 41st and 48th Streets, 44th to 47th between 1st and 2nd Avenues, and until 9 pm daily, the FDR 42nd Street exit will be closed. (ABC News contributed to this report.)———-* Get Eyewitness News * More New York City news* Send us a news tip* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Download our Connected TV app Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Do you have a breaking news tip or story idea we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If you attach a video or photo, the terms of use apply. Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All rights reserved.
