Representatives from Iran and Cuba staged walkouts during U.S. President Donald Trump’s address at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, in response to his critical remarks about their countries. The incident unfolded as Trump used the platform to discuss U.S. foreign policy, particularly targeting Iran and Cuba.
The Iranian delegation exited the assembly when Trump began addressing U.S. military operations against Iran and suggested that further actions could be taken if no agreement was reached. Notably, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were in New York for the event, although they were not present in the chamber during the speech.
During his address, Trump highlighted the United States’ stance on Iran, stating that the nation faced a decision between reaching a diplomatic agreement or confronting further U.S. actions. He also called for international support to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
Following the Iranian delegation’s departure, members of the Cuban delegation also left the assembly. This reaction came after Trump labeled Cuba a “failed state” and emphasized his administration’s intent to seek significant changes on the island. He asserted that freedom would eventually come to Cuba and vowed that the U.S. would prevent foreign adversaries from establishing a base there.
The walkouts underscored the tensions highlighted in Trump’s speech, which addressed various international issues and the U.S. administration’s positions on them before an audience of global leaders gathered at the UN General Assembly.