President Donald Trump publicly pressured Iran on September 22 during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, stating that the country must decide whether to negotiate or be annihilated, according to the New York Times. Diplomats from Iran and Cuba present at the assembly walked out during his remarks.
Trump spoke second at the meeting, declaring, "The era of Iran dominating the Middle East as a bully is over," and added, "Now is the time to make a big decision." He questioned whether Iran would negotiate to rebuild itself into a greater nation, possibly the greatest in the Middle East, or if it would be completely eliminated, preventing it from killing people and destroying nations again. He further stated, "Am I pushing them into a hell where they have no chance of survival, no hope for greatness or for their descendants?"
In his speech, Trump also raised concerns about Cuba. According to The Hill, he stated, "Freedom will come to Cuba," emphasizing that his administration is working to fundamentally change the situation in Cuba, where the communist regime is under unprecedented pressure. He described Cuba as an "absolutely failed state" that will ultimately collapse.
As Trump spoke, diplomats from Iran and Cuba exited the assembly. The Iranian delegation left about 10 minutes into Trump's speech, while the Cuban delegation walked out when he mentioned that freedom was coming to Cuba, as reported by the Independent. NBC News captured footage of the four-member Cuban delegation leaving the room in pairs from both sides. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez later responded on social media, stating, "The U.S. government finds it impossible to accept that Cuba is a fully independent sovereign nation with that right, and that Cuba poses no threat to the U.S. or any other country."
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian departed for New York on September 23 to address the UN General Assembly. Before leaving for the U.S., he told reporters at the airport, "We will raise concerns about the adversities Iran is facing at the UN and speak about the crimes committed against Iran and the distrust that has been created." He also warned that any renewed use of force against Iran would backfire.
However, foreign media are watching for the possibility of an unexpected meeting between Trump and Pezeshkian in New York. CBS News noted that Trump had mentioned on September 21 that he might meet with Pezeshkian at the General Assembly.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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