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| Iran, Cuba Delegations Walk Out as Trump Delivers Combative UN Speech |
The delegations of Iran and Cuba walked out of the United Nations General Assembly during US President Donald Trump’s address on Tuesday after he launched fresh attacks against both countries.Read original
The walkouts occurred during a wide-ranging speech in which Trump defended US military action against Iran, warned that Washington could take further action against Tehran and predicted the eventual fall of Cuba’s communist government.
Iranian representatives began leaving the General Assembly Hall about 10 minutes into Trump’s speech as he discussed the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were in New York for the UN gathering but were not inside the chamber when Trump delivered his address. Junior-level Iranian officials and members of the delegation were present.
Trump Puts Iran on the Spot
Trump told world leaders that he faced what he described as a major decision over the future of the conflict with Iran.
He said Washington could either reach an agreement that would allow Iran to rebuild or take much more drastic military action if Tehran refused to reach a settlement.
“I have a big decision to make,” Trump said.
He also said he believed an agreement with Iran could eventually be reached, but suggested that negotiations could come after the November US midterm elections.
Trump used much of his speech to defend his administration’s military campaign, arguing that US actions were aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
He also called on other countries to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
Cuba Delegation Also Leaves
The Cuban delegation subsequently walked out after Trump turned his attention to the island nation.
Trump said his administration was seeking what he described as a fundamental change in Cuba and claimed that the country’s communist government was under unprecedented pressure.
“It’s an absolutely failed state — it’s failing like never before, and it will fall,” Trump said.
He added that “freedom will be coming to Cuba.”
The comments prompted members of the Cuban delegation to leave the General Assembly Hall.
Calls for Diplomacy at UN
Trump’s confrontational remarks contrasted with calls from other world leaders for diplomacy and international cooperation.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who spoke shortly before Trump, argued that military force alone could not resolve the conflicts facing the international community.
“We all know there will be no winners on the battlefield,” Lula said, according to his remarks in Portuguese. “Diplomacy is the only option.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also urged countries to strengthen cooperation, warning that military power alone could not guarantee peace.
“Military power alone cannot secure peace,” Guterres said.
Gaza and Other Global Conflicts Feature
Trump also addressed several other international issues, including Gaza, Ukraine, Venezuela and disputes involving international institutions.
His speech came as the UN General Assembly opened against the backdrop of multiple conflicts and heightened tensions over energy supplies and international security.
The Iranian delegation’s departure was one of the most visible moments of the address, highlighting the deep diplomatic divide between Washington and Tehran as the two sides continue to face pressure to find a way out of the conflict.
The Cuban walkout similarly underscored the longstanding tensions between Washington and Havana, with Trump making clear that his administration intends to maintain pressure on Cuba.
