Trump Threatens to ‘Annihilate’ Iran at UN as Iranian Delegation Walks Out

US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly, saying Washington could “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if no agreement is reached to end the conflict. The remarks prompted members of Iran’s delegation to leave the General Assembly Hall during his speech.

Trump told world leaders that he faced a choice between reaching a deal that would allow Iran to rebuild or taking further military action. He said he believed an agreement could eventually be reached, but suggested that this would come after the US midterm elections.

The Iranian delegation walked out roughly 10 minutes into Trump’s address, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were not in the hall at the time. The walkout came as Trump defended US military action against Iran and argued that American operations had prevented Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Trump also turned his attention to Cuba, describing its communist government as a failed state and predicting that it would fall. The Cuban delegation subsequently left the hall as he continued his remarks.

The US president used much of his address to defend his administration’s foreign policy, while also discussing conflicts and disputes involving Gaza, Ukraine and Venezuela. His comments contrasted with calls from other leaders for greater reliance on diplomacy and international cooperation.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, speaking shortly before Trump, said military force could not resolve the major conflicts facing the world and argued that diplomacy remained necessary. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also called for international cooperation and warned that military power alone could not secure peace.

Trump’s address came as the Iran-US conflict continued to raise concerns over regional security, the Strait of Hormuz and global energy markets. Iran has indicated that it could reopen the strategic waterway if Washington reduces military pressure and lifts its blockade, adding another potential issue to diplomatic efforts.

The confrontation at the General Assembly underscored the sharp divisions surrounding the Iran conflict, with Washington maintaining pressure on Tehran while Iranian officials continue to signal that diplomacy could still play a role in ending the hostilities. The UN General Assembly’s 81st general debate runs from September 22 to September 28 in New York