New York | September 22, 2026
US President Donald Trump told the United Nations General Assembly that he would never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, while presenting negotiations and continued military pressure as the two possible paths forward.
Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly, Trump said the US remained open to an agreement but warned that Iran could face further military action if no deal is reached.
Trump Puts Nuclear Issue at Centre of Iran Policy
Trump said preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon had remained a consistent objective of his administration. He also accused Tehran of contributing to instability across the Middle East, claims Iran has rejected.
His comments came as the US-Iran conflict continues and diplomatic contacts remain active. Trump said on the sidelines of the UN meeting that discussions between Washington and Tehran were continuing and expressed confidence that a settlement could eventually be reached.
Military Pressure and Diplomacy Continue Together
Trump presented the situation as a choice between reaching an agreement and escalating military action. He said a deal could allow Iran to rebuild its economy while maintaining the US position on the nuclear issue.
At the same time, he called on other countries to increase economic pressure on Iran and argued that international cooperation was necessary to limit Tehran’s ability to continue its activities.
Iran Delegation Leaves During Speech
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were in New York for the UN General Assembly but did not attend Trump’s address personally.
Iranian delegates who were present reportedly left the chamber during Trump’s speech as he discussed the conflict and his administration’s actions against Tehran.
What Comes Next
Trump’s remarks underline the difficult balance between military pressure and diplomatic negotiations in the US-Iran conflict.
While Washington continues to insist that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon, Trump has also indicated that negotiations remain possible. The coming weeks will determine whether diplomatic efforts can produce an agreement or whether tensions continue to escalate.
