Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran in UN speech as officials from both countries meet on sidelines
President Donald Trump told the UN General Assembly he faces a "big decision" between pursuing a peace deal or using force to "annihilate" Iran. Trump labeled Iran the "world's leading sponsor of terror" and cited a B2 bomber strike on a nuclear site under Operation Midnight Hammer as evidence of US success in demolishing Iran's nuclear program. These threats occurred while US and Iranian representatives held mediated talks on the sidelines of the assembly. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected American pressure and stated that Iran has been "victims of terrorism".
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- ✓ President Donald Trump threatened to annihilate Iran in a United Nations address.
- ✓ Trump called Iran the "world's leading sponsor of terror".
- ✓ Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
- ✓ US and Iranian representatives engaged in mediated talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
What changed
Trump detailed Operation Midnight Hammer and identified Iran as the world's leading sponsor of terror in his first UNGA speech since 2020.
Live updates
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Trump threatens to annihilate Iran during UN General Assembly address
President Donald Trump told the UN General Assembly he faces a "big decision" between pursuing a peace deal or using force to "annihilate" Iran. Trump labeled Iran the "world's leading sponsor of terror" and cited a B2 bomber strike on a nuclear site under Operation Midnight Hammer as evidence of US success in demolishing Iran's nuclear program. These threats occurred while US and Iranian representatives held mediated talks on the sidelines of the assembly. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected American pressure and stated that Iran has been "victims of terrorism".
Why it matters
The tension comes amid a conflict with Iran that has increased global oil prices and impacted Trump's approval ratings. The president used the speech to reject global government and outline goals for the AI race and the Russia-Ukraine war. This rhetoric has prompted legal scholars to call for international intervention.
What is confirmed
- President Donald Trump threatened to annihilate Iran in a United Nations address.
- Trump called Iran the "world's leading sponsor of terror".
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
- US and Iranian representatives engaged in mediated talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Still unconfirmed
- A B2 bomber strike targeted an Iranian nuclear site under Operation Midnight Hammer.
- Trump predicted the fall of Cuba during his UN address.
- Only one member of the Iranian delegation watched Trump's speech.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the mediated discussions between US and Iranian representatives
- Trump's final decision on whether to strike Iran or sign a peace deal
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.wionews.com — 'So-called Supreme Leader...': Trump in UN calls Iran ... - WION
- spectrumlocalnews.com — Iran’s president: We have been ‘victims of terrorism’
- www.centraloregondaily.com — Trump threatens Iran, predicts Cuba's fall. Key UN takeaways
- truthout.org — Trump’s Genocidal Rhetoric on Iran Deserves Legal Consequences, Scholars Say
- lens.civicus.org — UN: crisis and opportunity - CIVICUS LENS
- centerforpoliticalawareness.com — Donald Trump’s Genocidal Rhetoric on Iran Deserves Legal ...
- quixnet.net — Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran in UN speech as ...
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/15 Links Pt1: Why Hamas Cheered Navi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize; Kontorovich: Europe Risks an Economic War over Israel and th....
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White House Defends Trump's UN Threat Against Iran
American and Iranian representatives engaged in approximately three hours of mediated discussions on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The diplomatic contact followed Donald Trump issuing a warning that he is weighing whether to annihilate Iran or secure a diplomatic agreement. Following the speech, the White House defended the presidential policy, while Iranian President Pezeshkian called for diplomacy and rejected American pressure.
Why it matters
These diplomatic exchanges unfold during a nearly seven-month war between the nations. The confrontation remains tense as a planned military surge could position up to three aircraft carriers in the region by late November.
What is confirmed
- US and Iranian representatives held roughly three hours of mediated talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
- The White House defended Trump's Iran policy after his UN annihilate threat.
What to watch next
- Any further statements or agreements resulting from the mediated UN General Assembly talks between US and Iranian representatives.
- Developments regarding the planned military surge and positioning of up to three aircraft carriers in the region by late November.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.wionews.com — Trump ‘courageously’ fighting Iran, says White House after ...
- www.rajatheertha.com — US-Iran Hold 3-Hour UN Talks After Trump Iran Warning
- www.breitbart.com — Strait of Hormuz Articles - Breitbart
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Trump Threatens Iran With Annihilation While Confirming Recent Talks
President Donald Trump warned the United Nations General Assembly that he is weighing whether to annihilate Iran or secure a diplomatic agreement, threatening the nation with hell even as he disclosed that American and Iranian officials held talks. Iran's president responded with a defiant speech calling his people victims of United States terrorism and vowing to fight until their last breath. The nearly seven-month war continues alongside a planned military surge that could position up to three aircraft carriers in the region by late November.
Why it matters
The diplomatic engagement runs parallel to escalating military positioning, marked by a planned naval surge set for late November. Tensions remain severe following months of diplomatic distance and an unapproved war lasting nearly seven months. The rhetoric at the United Nations highlights the stark divide between official threats of total destruction and underlying diplomatic maneuvers.
What is confirmed
- President Donald Trump revealed that US and Iranian officials held talks for the first time in months.
- Trump told the United Nations he was still deciding whether to annihilate Iran.
- Iran's president delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly stating his people have been victims of terrorism by the United States.
- A planned surge could put up to three carriers in the region by late November.
Still unconfirmed
- Trump is threatening Iran to end an unapproved and deadly war.
What to watch next
- Deployment of up to three aircraft carriers to the region by late November
- Further direct or indirect talks between US and Iranian officials
- Official outcomes regarding a potential deal on Iran's nuclear programme
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.thedailystar.net — Trump threatens Iran with 'hell' but reveals fresh talks
- nationalsecurityjournal.org — Iran Just Got Handed Trump's Bottom Line: They Want to Make a ...
- www.wral.com — Politics News and Reporting Coverage, page 22 | WRAL
- atlantablackstar.com — ‘Unstable by the Hour’: Trump Screams Iran Threat for the ...
- dhakacourier.com.bd — In defiant speech, Pezeshkian calls out Trump and says Iran ...
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Trump Threatens Iran With Annihilation at UN
United States President Donald Trump warned the United Nations General Assembly that he faces a big decision regarding whether to launch an attack on Iran or pursue a diplomatic agreement. During his speech in New York, Trump stated that the United States could annihilate Iran. When asked how to secure a deal, Trump remarked that maybe you blow them up. The address was attended by a member of Iran delegation. Trump also rejected reports that his administration offered Tehran sanctions relief to rein in its nuclear programme.
Why it matters
The confrontation unfolded during the United Nations gathering in New York, which featured active diplomacy from Iranian officials alongside high-level threats from Washington. President Trump publicly dismissed reports regarding potential sanctions relief for Tehran while weighing military action versus a negotiated pact. The developments follow a series of diplomatic overtures and counter-proposals between the two nations.
What is confirmed
- US President Donald Trump stated at the United Nations General Assembly that he faces a big decision over whether to launch an attack on Iran or pursue a diplomatic agreement.
- Trump warned during his speech in New York that the United States could annihilate Iran.
- A member of Iran delegation attended Trump speech at the United Nations.
- Donald Trump rejected reports that Washington had offered Tehran sanctions relief.
Still unconfirmed
- Asked how to get a deal done with Iran, Trump said maybe you blow them up, and told Time that annihilating Iran is possible.
What to watch next
- Whether the United States and Iran continue mediated talks following the UN speeches.
- Any formal announcement from Washington regarding sanctions relief or military authorization.
- Responses from Iranian leadership to Trump UN General Assembly address.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.iranintl.com — Iran International establishes scholarship in memory of presenter Farahnaz Espad
- english.khabarhub.com — Trump tells UN he faces ‘big decision’ on Iran as diplomacy ...
- nationalsecurityjournal.org — Iran Just Got Handed a Blunt Threat From Trump: Asked How to ...
- www.youtube.com — Trump threatens to "annihilate" Iran in UN speech - YouTube
- newswav.com — Iran-US war latest: Trump denies offering Tehran sanctions relief to rein in its nuclear programme - News....
- www.newdelhitimes.com — Where things stand after Iran’s new pitch for a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz - New Delhi Times
- www.icit-digital.org — Trump threatened to “annihilate” Iran in UN speech
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Iran President Defies US Threats While Back-Channel Talks Continue
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the United Nations General Assembly that Tehran will never bow to United States threats, striking a defiant tone a day after US President Donald Trump threatened to annihilate Iran. Despite the fiery rhetoric and Donald Trump publicly rejecting an earlier Iranian proposal, United States and Iranian officials held mediated talks on Tuesday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran remains fully prepared for war while still pursuing diplomacy, asserting that a negotiated solution is the only way out of the current deadlock.
Why it matters
The high-stakes diplomatic friction unfolds against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict and a disputed Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump has accused Tehran of stalling negotiations to reopen the vital waterway until after the American midterms. Meanwhile, Masoud Pezeshkian has walked a careful balancing act at home, winning rare domestic praise across Iran's political establishment for his UN address.
What is confirmed
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the United Nations General Assembly that Tehran will never bow its head to United States threats.
- United States President Donald Trump warned the United Nations that he could annihilate the Islamic Republic if no deal is reached.
- United States and Iranian officials held mediated talks on Tuesday following the United Nations speeches.
Still unconfirmed
- Donald Trump accused Iran of intentionally stalling to delay a deal on the Strait of Hormuz and the war until after the midterms.
What to watch next
- Whether the back-channel negotiations yield a breakthrough on reopening the Strait of Hormuz
- Any further military escalation or resumption of full-scale conflict between the United States and Iran
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.iranintl.com — Pezeshkian straddles Iran’s divide at UN as US talks test balance
- spectrumlocalnews.com — Trump says U.S. and Iran met shortly after UN speech
- www.cnn.com — Key moments from UNGA Day 2: Speeches from Rodríguez ... - CNN
- fmep.org — Top News & Analysis on Israel/Palestine: September 18-25, 2026 - Foundation for Middle East Peace
- www.yahoo.com — Trump threatens Iran in fiery UN speech. What's next? | The ...
- www.manilatimes.net — Trump threatens to ‘annihilate’ Iran but reveals fresh talks | The Manila Times
- countercurrents.org — Kindness & Truth Versus Trump: Existential Nuclear, Climate, AI, Genocide & Annihilation Threats | Counte....
- ddindia.co.in — Trump warns in UN speech he could 'annihilate' Iran without ...
- www.presstv.co.uk — Iran ‘fully prepared’ for war to resume with US but still trying diplomacy: Araghchi
- www.naturalnews.com — Iran’s President Tells UN Tehran Will Not “Bow Its Head” to U.S. Threats – NaturalNews.com
- www.commondreams.org — Only 'Negotiated Solution' Can Get US Out of 'Deadlock,' Iranian Diplomat Says After Trump Rejects Deal |....
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Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran as US and Iranian officials meet
US President Donald Trump warned the UN General Assembly that he may 'annihilate' Iran if a deal isn't reached soon to end the nearly seven-month war. Despite this, US and Iranian officials held mediated talks on Tuesday, with Trump describing the meeting as 'very good'. The talks aimed to discuss ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Global oil prices fluctuated following reports of the meeting.
Why it matters
The conflict between the US and Iran has been ongoing for nearly seven months, with tensions escalating over Iran's nuclear program and the US blockade of Iranian ports. A deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks is being sought, but both sides are hesitant to make the first move. The situation remains uncertain, with the US maintaining pressure on Iran and Iran seeking a negotiated settlement.
What is confirmed
- President Donald Trump threatened to 'annihilate' Iran during his address to the United Nations General Assembly if a deal to end the nearly seven-month war is not reached soon.
- US and Iranian officials held mediated talks on Tuesday to discuss ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump described the meeting as 'very good'.
- Iran says a negotiated settlement remains the only way out of the war and is awaiting a formal US response to its latest proposal.
Still unconfirmed
- Trump has privately expressed skepticism that Iran would meet his demands on its nuclear program.
What to watch next
- The US response to Iran's latest proposal
- The outcome of the mediated talks between US and Iranian officials
- The impact on global oil prices
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.bbc.co.uk — Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran in UN speech as officials from both countries meet on sidelines
- english.aawsat.com — Trump Says US and Iranian Officials Met Tuesday, Shortly After Warning He May ‘Annihilate’ Iran
- www.iranintl.com — US and Iran want a deal, but neither wants to move first
- www.iranintl.com — Trump rejects Iran ceasefire proposal, sees renewed strikes after midterms - WSJ
- www.iranintl.com — Tehran seeks negotiated way out as Washington maintains pressure
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Trump says US and Iranian officials met Tuesday, shortly after warning he may 'annihilate' Iran
- www.namibian.com.na — Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran in UN speech as officials from both countries meet on sidelines - Ne....
- www.yahoo.com — Iran says it will wait for official US response after Trump rejects Strait of Hormuz proposal
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Trump threatens to "annihilate" Iran amid UN General Assembly talks
President Donald Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran during his address to the United Nations General Assembly if a deal to end the nearly seven-month war is not reached soon. Despite this rhetoric, U.S. and Iranian officials held mediated talks on Tuesday to discuss ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump described the meeting as "very good," marking the first engagement between the two delegations since June. Global oil prices fell following reports of the hours-long meeting, though some reports indicate prices rose again after Iran warned of a possible "new front."
Why it matters
The two nations are currently engaged in a war that has lasted nearly seven months. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical point of contention due to its role in global energy shipping. These diplomatic efforts occur alongside several fact-checks of Trump's UN speech by major news outlets.
What is confirmed
- President Donald Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran in his speech to the UN General Assembly.
- U.S. and Iranian officials met on Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
- The U.S. and Iran have been in a war for nearly seven months.
- The mediated talks focused on ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- This meeting was the first between the two countries since June.
Still unconfirmed
- Global oil prices are rising again following Iranian warnings of a new war front.
- Trump is prioritizing his legacy over midterm politics in his UN address.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
- Official statements from the Iranian government regarding the outcome of the Tuesday meeting
- Updates on the status of the nearly seven-month war
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (17)
- The New York Times — Fact-Checking Trump’s Speech at the United Nations
- CNN — Fact check: Trump’s false claims to the United Nations
- AP News — FACT FOCUS: Trump made multiple false and misleading claims in front of the UN General Assembly
- bbc.com — Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran in UN speech as officials meet on sidelines
- The New York Times — Trump Threatens Annihilation in Iran in UN Speech and Lays Out Winner-Takes-All Vision
- PBS — Fact-checking Trump's speech to the 2026 United Nations General Assembly
- Al Jazeera — Iran war live: Trump confirms ‘very good’ meeting with Iran at UN
- CNBC — Oil falls after U.S. and Iran talk for hours at UN meeting
- Al Jazeera — US, Iran hold mediated UNGA talks on ending war, opening Strait of Hormuz
- WSJ — Trump Puts Legacy Ahead of Midterm Politics in Speech at U.N.
- economist.com — World in Brief: Trump again threatens to “annihilate” Iran; Netanyahu slams Mamdani
- The Economist — World in Brief: Trump again threatens to “annihilate” Iran; EU ties Ukraine loan to reform
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