Trump issues Iran ultimatum at UN, then confirms 'very good' talks on sidelines

During an address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2026, then-President Donald Trump issued a stern ultimatum to Iran, threatening to "annihilate" the Islamic Republic if a deal was not reached to end the ongoing nearly seven-month conflict. He defended the United States' military operations in Iran, which commenced earlier in the year with Israel to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and called for international economic isolation of Iran. Trump presented Iran with a choice between achieving "potential greatness or obliteration".

Despite the confrontational tone of his speech, Trump later confirmed that U.S. and Iranian officials held an unexpected "very good" and "productive" three-hour meeting on the sidelines of the UN gathering. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participated in these discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, mediated by Qatari diplomats.

During these talks, Iran presented conditions for de-escalation, including an end to the war, a cessation of U.S. "acts of aggression," an end to the naval blockade, and the release of Iranian assets. Iranian officials also expressed a willingness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. reciprocated by easing military and economic pressure. Trump indicated that further meetings were anticipated in the near future.