Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Trump’s UN Speech Threatens Iran and Promotes ‘Super Intelligence’
Donald Trump gave a wide-ranging speech at the United Nations.
He said Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
He offered Iran a choice between making a deal and facing possible destruction.
He also said the United States was ahead in artificial intelligence.
Trump suggested calling artificial intelligence “Super Intelligence.”
He said the United States was trying to help end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Officials from Iran and Cuba walked out during parts of his speech.
Trump also criticized the International Criminal Court and the United Nations.
Donald Trump threatened Iran with destruction while saying a deal could still be reached after the US midterm elections.
Trump said the United States was leading the artificial-intelligence race and proposed calling the technology “Super Intelligence.”
He said the United States was working with Russia and Ukraine to end their war, though his claim of ending eight wars is disputed.
Cuban officials reportedly walked out after Trump called Cuba a “failed state,” while Iranian delegates also left during his criticism of Iran.
Trump urged countries to leave the International Criminal Court and criticized the United Nations over its treatment of the United States.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, along with US, Iranian and Cuban officials attending the United Nations General Assembly.
- What
- Trump delivered a speech covering Iran, artificial intelligence, the Russia-Ukraine war, Cuba, the International Criminal Court and the United Nations.
- When
- Tuesday during the 81st United Nations General Assembly, which the article says runs from September 21 to 25, 2026.
- Where
- The United Nations General Assembly in New York.
- Why
- Trump used the speech to defend US actions, warn Iran over its nuclear program, promote his administration’s foreign-policy positions and criticize international institutions.
Trump administration positions
Opposing governments and critics
Iran’s nuclear program
Trump administration positions
Trump said Iran must give up its nuclear program, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate, or risk being destroyed.
Opposing governments and critics
Iranian officials did not publicly confirm the reported meeting with US officials, and most members of Iran’s delegation walked out while Trump criticized Iran.
Artificial-intelligence regulation
Trump administration positions
Trump argued that the United States was the clear leader in artificial intelligence and criticized calls for greater regulation, favoring the term “Super Intelligence.”
Opposing governments and critics
Experts cited in the article use “superintelligence” differently, generally describing a possible future technology more capable than humans across many tasks.
International institutions
Trump administration positions
Trump called the International Criminal Court an anti-American, out-of-control institution and urged member countries to leave; he also accused the United Nations of ignoring atrocities while criticizing the United States.
Opposing governments and critics
The International Criminal Court and United Nations were the institutions Trump criticized, while Cuba and Iran expressed opposition through walkouts during his speech.
Claims about ending wars
Trump administration positions
Trump said he had helped end eight wars through relationships, trade and tariff threats and said the United States was working to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Opposing governments and critics
The article says some conflicts Trump listed have continued, making his claim that he ended eight wars disputed.
- Event
- 81st United Nations General Assembly
- Location
- New York
- Assembly dates
- September 21–25, 2026
- Iran warning
- Trump said Iran would never obtain a nuclear weapon and threatened possible destruction if it refused a deal.
- Artificial intelligence term
- Trump proposed using “Super Intelligence” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” in future US documents.
- Russia-Ukraine war
- Trump said about 25,000 people, mostly soldiers, were dying each month on both sides; the article says his claim of ending eight wars is disputed.
- Post-speech meeting
- US officials, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, reportedly met with Iranian officials for three hours; Iran did not confirm the meeting.