Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Trump Threatens Iran’s Annihilation While Defending War at UN
Donald Trump gave a speech to world leaders at the United Nations.
He said the United States might make a deal with Iran or destroy its government.
He said he wants to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
Trump also said he believed Iran would eventually agree to a deal, possibly after US elections in November.
Iran’s representatives reportedly left the room during his speech.
Trump described himself as both a leader who uses military strength and someone who makes peace deals.
He praised what he called diplomatic successes involving Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia.
He also criticized international organizations and talked about US power in other parts of the world.
US President Donald Trump threatened to “annihilate” Iran if it rejects a deal, while saying he expected an agreement after the November midterm elections.
Trump said preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon justified the nearly seven-month US war, presenting that claim as the basis for military action.
Iran’s delegation reportedly walked out during Trump’s speech as diplomatic efforts continued and Tehran signalled some openness to negotiations.
Trump used the address to promote his record of confronting threats and cited praise from the leaders of Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia.
He also defended US power in Latin America, announced a Greenland bases deal, and criticized the United Nations and International Criminal Court.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Iran and its representatives, along with other world leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly.
- What
- Trump defended the US war against Iran, threatened to “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if it rejects a deal, and said he would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
- When
- Tuesday, during the United Nations General Assembly; the article identifies the date as September 22, 2026.
- Where
- The United Nations in New York.
- Why
- Trump said US military action was intended to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and presented a possible agreement as an alternative to further escalation.
Diplomacy and Negotiation
Military Pressure and Escalation
Path toward Iran
Diplomacy and Negotiation
Trump said Iran could make a deal that would allow it to rebuild and become a stronger country, and he predicted an agreement after the US midterm elections.
Military Pressure and Escalation
Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s ruling system if it did not agree to a deal and defended the ongoing US war.
Justification for US action
Diplomacy and Negotiation
Diplomatic efforts were continuing, and Iran had signalled some openness to negotiations.
Military Pressure and Escalation
Trump said military action was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and described Iran as a regional aggressor.
International institutions
Diplomacy and Negotiation
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for international dialogue and warned about global threats including ethnic cleansing and the treatment of the atmosphere.
Military Pressure and Escalation
Trump criticized the United Nations and International Criminal Court and urged countries to boycott the court.
- Speaker
- US President Donald Trump
- Main threat
- Trump said he could “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if Iran does not agree to a deal.
- Trump’s stated objective
- Prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
- Expected timing of a deal
- Trump said an agreement could come after the November US midterm elections.
- Reported Iranian reaction
- Iran’s delegation reportedly walked out during the speech.
- Speech length
- Approximately 37 minutes.
- Other issues raised
- US military power in Latin America, a Greenland bases deal, and criticism of the United Nations and International Criminal Court.
