Representatives from Iran and Cuba exited the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday during President Donald Trump’s address, following his pointed criticism of both countries. The Iranian delegation walked out as Trump discussed potential military action against Iran, urging other nations to apply economic pressure on Tehran unless an agreement is reached.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who were in New York for the assembly, were not present in the chamber during Trump’s remarks. The U.S. President stated that the United States is weighing its options between reaching a diplomatic solution with Iran and pursuing further actions against the Islamic Republic.
Later in the address, the Cuban delegation left in response to Trump labeling Cuba as a “failed state” and declaring his administration’s aim for fundamental changes on the island. Trump emphasized that freedom would eventually come to Cuba and warned against foreign adversaries establishing a presence there.
These walkouts occurred amid a broader speech by Trump outlining his administration’s stance on various international issues, including the situations in Iran and Cuba, to the world leaders assembled at the UN General Assembly.