Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Iran Condemns Trump's Annihilation Threat as International Crime Admission
Iran criticized US President Donald Trump's warning that Iran could be “annihilated” if there is no peace deal.
Iran said this kind of threat is illegal and should not be made at the United Nations.
Iranian spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the remarks sounded desperate rather than powerful.
Iran did not completely leave the meeting because it wanted to keep its place and voice at the United Nations.
Iran and the United States also held indirect talks through Qatar.
The talks lasted about three hours.
Iran said it wants the war and US actions against it to stop.
Trump said the meeting was very good, while Iran listed several conditions for further progress.
Iranian spokesperson Esmail Baghaei condemned Donald Trump's threat to “annihilate” Iran if no peace deal is reached.
Baghaei said using the United Nations General Assembly to threaten military action violated international law and diplomatic practice.
Iran kept a diplomat in the General Assembly hall, calling its seat a diplomatic stronghold and responsibility.
Iranian and US representatives held three hours of indirect talks through Qatari mediators on the sidelines of the UNGA.
Iran presented conditions including ending the war, stopping US actions, lifting the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and releasing Iranian assets.
- Who
- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, US President Donald Trump, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
- What
- Iran condemned Trump's threat to “annihilate” the country and discussed conditions for renewed diplomacy with the United States.
- When
- The statements and talks occurred during the first day of the high-level diplomatic week at the United Nations General Assembly; Baghaei spoke Tuesday local time.
- Where
- New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- Iran said it was responding to Trump's threats and conveying conditions for ending the war, halting US actions, lifting the naval blockade, and releasing Iranian assets.
Iran's Position
Trump Administration's Position
Threat of military action
Iran's Position
Iran said Trump's threat to annihilate the country was illegal, contrary to international law, and an admission of potential international crimes.
Trump Administration's Position
Trump warned that he would annihilate Iran if a peace deal was not reached.
Meaning of the diplomatic exchange
Iran's Position
Iran said the indirect talks were intended to convey its conditions, including ending the war, stopping US actions, lifting the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and releasing Iranian assets.
Trump Administration's Position
Trump said the three-hour meeting went very well, while Witkoff said the discussions were constructive and promising.
Conduct at the United Nations
Iran's Position
Iran argued that remaining at the UN General Assembly preserved its diplomatic responsibility and stronghold despite Trump's remarks.
Trump Administration's Position
The US delegation participated in discussions through mediators while Trump addressed the General Assembly and later commented on the talks.
- Iranian spokesperson
- Esmail Baghaei
- US threat
- Donald Trump warned he would “annihilate” Iran if a peace deal was not reached.
- Talks duration
- Three hours
- Mediator
- Qatar facilitated indirect discussions between Iran and the United States.
- Iranian conditions
- An end to the war, an end to US aggressive actions, lifting of the naval blockade, and release of Iranian assets.
- Iranian presence
- Iran participated through its foreign minister, while one UN mission diplomat remained in the hall during Trump's remarks.
- US assessment
- Trump described the meeting as “very good,” while Steve Witkoff called the discussions constructive and promising.