Iranian delegates walked out of the United Nations General Assembly after US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran, threatening to “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if it fails to reach a deal with Washington.
Trump made the remarks on Tuesday during his address to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, where he defended the US military campaign against Iran and warned that Washington could escalate the conflict.
“I have a big decision to make,” Trump told world leaders gathered at the UN headquarters, before presenting what he described as two options: reaching a deal with Iran or destroying the Islamic Republic.
“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly,” Trump said, adding that he could drive Iran “into hell” with no chance of future recovery.
Despite the threat, Trump said he believed Washington and Tehran would eventually reach an agreement, suggesting that a deal could come after the US midterm elections.
The Iranian delegation reportedly began leaving the General Assembly Hall about 10 minutes into Trump’s speech. 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 address.
Trump devoted much of his roughly 40-minute speech to defending his administration’s foreign policy and military actions, arguing that US military power had altered the balance of power in the region and was aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
He also turned his attention to Cuba, describing its government as a “failed state” and declaring that it “will fall.”
The Cuban delegation subsequently walked out of the chamber.
Trump’s confrontational remarks contrasted with calls for diplomacy from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who spoke shortly before him.
Lula said the international community could not resolve escalating conflicts through military force alone.
“We all know there will be no winners on the battlefield,” Lula said. “Diplomacy is the only option.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres similarly urged world leaders to strengthen international cooperation, warning that military power alone could not guarantee peace.
Trump’s address also touched on Venezuela, Gaza, Ukraine and the International Criminal Court, while several other leaders used their speeches to address the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticised Israel over the war in Gaza, while Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also condemned the situation in the territory.
Trump’s appearance at the UN came amid continuing tensions with Iran, concerns over disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and rising energy prices linked to the conflict.
