Representatives from Iran and Cuba staged walkouts during U.S. President Donald Trump’s address at the United Nations General Assembly on September 22. The Iranian delegation exited the chamber as Trump criticized Tehran’s military actions and signaled the potential for further U.S. measures if a diplomatic solution was not achieved.
While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were in New York for the UN event, neither was present during Trump’s speech. The U.S. president urged the international community to increase economic pressure on Iran, presenting the situation as a choice between reaching a deal or facing U.S. action.
Later in his address, Trump targeted Cuba, labeling it a “failed state” and calling for fundamental changes on the island. He asserted that freedom would eventually come to Cuba and emphasized the U.S. stance against foreign adversaries establishing a presence there. This prompted the Cuban delegation to leave the assembly.
The walkouts underscored the tense diplomatic relations between the U.S. and these nations, as Trump detailed his administration’s positions on various global issues to the assembled world leaders.