Iranian delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly during U.S. President Donald Trump’s address after he warned that Washington could “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if Tehran fails to reach a deal with the United States.
Trump made the threat on Tuesday, September 22, during his address to the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, where he defended the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran and said he faced a choice between reaching an agreement with Tehran and taking further military action.
The Iranian delegation began leaving the General Assembly Hall as Trump spoke about the conflict. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were in New York for the UN gathering but were not present in the hall during Trump’s speech.
Trump said he believed an agreement with Iran could eventually be reached, suggesting that negotiations could resume after the U.S. midterm elections.
Trump Defends Iran Policy
Much of Trump’s roughly 37-minute speech focused on his administration’s foreign policy and its military campaign against Iran.
He argued that U.S. action was aimed at preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and portrayed American military power as having changed the regional balance.
Despite the confrontational language, Trump said Washington remained open to a negotiated settlement. Later on Tuesday, he said U.S. and Iranian officials had met for about three hours through intermediaries.
Trump described the meeting as “very good” but provided few details about what was discussed. U.S. officials said the talks were conducted through mediators who moved between the two sides.
Cuba Delegation Also Walks Out
Iran was not the only delegation to leave during Trump’s address.
The Cuban delegation walked out after Trump criticised the country’s communist government, describing Cuba as a failed state and saying its political system would eventually fall.
Trump said his administration was seeking a “fundamental change” in Cuba and claimed the government was under unprecedented pressure. He also said that freedom would come to the island.
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The Cuban government rejected Trump’s characterisation of the country, while the delegation’s departure added another diplomatic confrontation to an already contentious UN session.
Other Leaders Call for Diplomacy
Trump’s approach contrasted with calls from other world leaders for greater reliance on diplomacy.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva argued that military force alone could not resolve the conflicts facing the international community, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres also called for stronger international cooperation.
The Gaza war was another major issue at the gathering. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticised Israel’s conduct in Gaza, while Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also addressed the humanitarian situation.
Israeli delegates later walked out during Erdoğan’s speech.
Greenland Deal Adds to Trump’s UN Agenda
Trump’s UN appearance also included a major agreement involving the United States, Denmark and Greenland.
He signed a security agreement with Denmark concerning increased U.S. military activity in Greenland while Denmark retained control of the territory.
Trump said the arrangement would give Washington greater ability to protect the United States, Europe and other areas. His comments came after repeated expressions of interest in acquiring Greenland, although he did not rule out that broader objective.
The UN General Assembly gathering comes as conflicts in Iran, Gaza, Ukraine and other regions continue to dominate international diplomacy.