NEW YORK — Iran’s delegation walked out of the United Nations General Assembly after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if Tehran fails to reach a deal with the United States.
Trump issued the threat during a combative address to the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, September 22, as the prolonged US-Iran conflict continued to raise concerns about regional security, oil supplies and the global economy.
The Iranian delegation left the General Assembly Hall about 10 minutes into Trump’s speech, as the US president turned to the conflict and defended his administration’s military campaign against Tehran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were in New York for the UN gathering but were not in the hall when Trump delivered his address.
Trump framed the conflict as part of a US effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and said he faced a choice between reaching an agreement with Tehran and intensifying military action.
“I have a big decision to make,” Trump told world leaders.
He said the United States could pursue a deal that would allow Iran to rebuild, or “annihilate the Islamic Republic” and deny it the opportunity to threaten other countries.
Trump nevertheless said he expected an agreement with Iran eventually, but suggested that negotiations could come after the US midterm elections in November.
The comments added to uncertainty in financial and energy markets, with oil prices already elevated by concerns over disruptions to supplies from the Middle East and the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude was trading close to $100 a barrel after Trump’s remarks, according to Reuters.
Iran has separately indicated that it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if Washington eases military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports, underscoring the importance of diplomacy to global energy markets.
Cuba delegation also walks out
Trump also used the UN address to attack Cuba’s communist government, declaring that the country was a “failed state” and predicting that its political system would fall.
The Cuban delegation subsequently walked out of the General Assembly Hall.
Trump said his administration was seeking what he described as “fundamental change” in Cuba and claimed that the government was facing unprecedented pressure.
His remarks marked another sharp challenge to the Cuban leadership as Washington continues its pressure campaign against Havana.
Lula, Guterres urge diplomacy
Trump’s confrontational message contrasted with calls from other leaders for diplomacy and international cooperation.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who addressed the General Assembly shortly before Trump, said military force alone could not resolve the world’s major conflicts.
“We all know there will be no winners on the battlefield,” Lula said, arguing that diplomacy remained the only viable option.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also warned against relying on military power as the principal instrument for resolving international disputes.
“The fault lines in our world are widening,” Guterres said as he opened the general debate, pointing to prolonged wars, deepening geopolitical divisions and weakening international cooperation.
The 81st General Assembly general debate runs from September 22 to September 28 at UN headquarters in New York.
Gaza and wider geopolitical tensions
Trump’s roughly 40-minute address also covered Gaza, Ukraine, Venezuela and the International Criminal Court.
He claimed that his administration had played a central role in ending the war in Gaza and portrayed US military and diplomatic power as essential to resolving international conflicts.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in a separate address, sharply criticised Israel over its conduct in Gaza. Israeli delegates subsequently left the chamber as Erdoğan spoke.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also focused on Gaza, describing the situation there in extremely severe terms.
The competing speeches underscored the deep divisions among major powers over the Middle East conflict and the role of military force in international affairs.
Greenland deal adds to US strategic push
Following his UN appearance, Trump signed an agreement with Denmark concerning an expanded US military presence in Greenland.
The agreement provides for increased US defence activity on the strategically important Arctic territory while maintaining Danish sovereignty, according to Reuters. The deal includes provisions for expanded US military access and defence infrastructure.
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland. The agreement represents a shift from that territorial ambition towards a broader US security and defence arrangement with Denmark and Greenland.
For markets and governments, however, the immediate concern remains the Iran conflict, particularly its potential impact on oil supplies, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the wider global economy.
With Brent crude already near $100 a barrel, any further escalation could intensify pressure on energy-importing economies and raise concerns about inflation and global growth.
