Delegations from Iran and Cuba exited the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 22, during a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump, who sharply criticized both nations. The Iranian representatives left as Trump discussed U.S. military actions against Iran and warned of potential further measures if a deal was not reached, urging other countries to apply economic pressure on Tehran.
While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were attending the UN General Assembly in New York, they were not present in the chamber during Trump’s address. Trump presented the situation as a choice for the United States between negotiating an agreement with Iran or taking further action against the Islamic Republic.
The Cuban delegation followed suit, departing after Trump labeled Cuba a “failed state” and called for fundamental changes on the island. He asserted that freedom would eventually come to Cuba and emphasized that the U.S. would not permit foreign adversaries to establish a foothold there.
The walkouts punctuated a speech in which President Trump delineated his administration’s stances on various international matters, including his views on Iran and Cuba, to an assembly of world leaders at the United Nations.