Trump says he could annihilate Iran but expects deal after midterms

Donald Trump told the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2026 he could annihilate Iran or make a deal after the midterms. He said the era of Iran dominating the Middle East as a bully is over and asked if he was pushing them into a hell with no chance of survival. Iranian diplomats walked out about 10 minutes in. Four Cuban diplomats left when he said freedom will come to Cuba; Bruno Rodriguez replied that the U.S. finds it impossible to accept Cuba as a fully independent nation posing no threat. Trump spoke second, cited Operation Midnight Hammer, said 18 massive new munition plants will finish very quickly, and noted two and a half years left in office. Masoud Pezeshkian departed for New York on September 23 to raise concerns at the UN about adversities and crimes against Iran. Trump mentioned a possible meeting on September 21. CONTESTED: No dispute on the date, walkouts or annihilate-or-deal wording. Trump said U.S. action prevented a nuclear weapon and ended Iran's dominance; Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons. Left outlets led with defending the Iran war and the annihilate choice. Right outlets led with the stare-down and drive-into-hell language. A Trump-Pezeshkian meeting was raised by Trump but not confirmed elsewhere.