New Delhi: Iran and Cuba’s delegations walked out of the United Nations general assembly on Tuesday as the United States president, Donald Trump, defended his military action against Iran and warned that he could take stronger action if diplomacy fails. In his address, Trump also spoke about the Strait of Hormuz, the Russia-Ukraine war and Greenland, outlining his administration’s wider foreign policy.
The Iranian delegation left the general assembly shortly after Trump turned to the US military action against Tehran. The Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, were in New York for the UN meetings but were not in the hall when Trump delivered his speech, while Iranian officials who had been seated there later walked out.
Trump presented Tehran with two possible paths, saying it could reach an agreement with Washington or face further US action. He said he was considering whether to allow Iran to rebuild through a deal or continue the sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
“I have a big decision to make,” Trump said, before asking whether he should “annihilate the Islamic Republic” or allow it to rebuild and become a stronger country. He also said he expected an agreement could be reached after the US midterm elections in November.
Trump accused Iran of holding back on negotiations because it wanted to see the outcome of the US elections. He said the elections would not affect his own decisions on Iran and urged other countries to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
The US president also defended his action by linking US military activities with Iran’s nuclear programme and said the action had prevented Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran has consistently rejected allegations that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Cuba delegation also walks out
Cuba became the second delegation to leave the general assembly during Trump’s address. The Cuban representatives walked out after Trump attacked the country’s communist government and said that freedom would eventually come to Cuba.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Havana as part of his broader policy towards the Cuban government. His comments at the UN added another confrontation with a foreign delegation to an address already dominated by the Iran conflict.
Strait of Hormuz at centre of conflict
The future of the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the biggest issues between Washington and Tehran. Trump said Iran had delayed efforts to reopen the important waterway and reach a wider agreement to end the conflict.
The confrontation has had a wider impact on energy markets and shipping. Saudi Arabia recently closed a major oil pipeline after an attack by Iran backed militants, while Houthi forces in Yemen have created additional risks for vessels using the Bab al-Mandab route.
Trump clashes with CNN reporter
Trump also had a confrontation with CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins before entering the UN for his speech. Collins questioned him about public opinion on the Iran war, prompting Trump to challenge CNN’s presence and tell her that she should not be there.
The exchange followed Trump’s decision to restrict CNN, MS NOW and Politico from accessing the White House. Trump has accused the organizations of biased coverage, while the outlets have taken the dispute to court.
Trump on Greenland
Greenland was another important topic in Trump’s address. He said the United States would begin developing a larger military presence on the island, including two major military bases. The announcement follows an agreement involving Washington, Denmark and Greenland intended to expand US military activity while restricting the presence of geopolitical rivals.
Greenland will remain under Danish sovereignty, despite Trump previously making threats to take control of the territory.
Russia Ukraine war remains unresolved
Trump also spoke about the continuing Russia Ukraine war and his efforts to push both sides towards an agreement. He has sought a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, but Russian and Ukrainian strikes have continued.
Trump has expressed frustration over attacks on refineries and other energy facilities because of their impact on the wider energy market. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was scheduled to meet Trump in New York, while Moscow has linked its position on an energy truce to the removal of Western sanctions.
Trump praises Melania’s role
Towards the end of his address, Trump shifted attention to the work of the United States first lady, Melania Trump, on the return of children displaced by the Russia Ukraine war. He said she had helped bring Ukrainian and Russian children back to their families. Trump said Melania had played an “extraordinary” role in securing the return of displaced children.
She has previously appealed to the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, on the issue and has been involved in efforts that have reunited dozens of children with their families. Trump also promoted Melania’s “Fostering the Future Together” initiative, which focuses on children’s welfare, education and technology.
The first lady was scheduled to host an event linked to the initiative during the UN general assembly week.
Trump’s UN schedule
Trump’s appearance was part of a wider diplomatic programme in New York, with meetings planned with several foreign leaders. His schedule included talks with the British prime minister, Andy Burnham; Japanese prime minister, Sanae Takaichi; Zelenskyy; Venezuelan interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez; Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, and Greenland prime minister, Jens Frederik Nielsen.
Trump was also due to meet representatives from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the Iran conflict and growing regional security concerns. Another event was planned around the Shield of the Americas initiative, which focuses on cooperation with Latin American countries against violent cartels.
Trump’s UN appearance came as his administration faced pressure on several foreign policy fronts, including the Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions over Greenland and instability around key Middle Eastern shipping routes. His approach to the UN has also drawn attention after Washington reduced its financial support for the organization, while concerns over artificial intelligence and its wider social impact remain part of the global agenda.