Trump Threatens to 'Annihilate' Iran at UN, but Confirms Direct Talks

At the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, former President Donald Trump delivered a fiery address, asking whether he should "annihilate the Islamic Republic" or offer it a chance to rebuild. Mid‑speech, he announced that U. S. and Iranian officials had met on the sidelines, a claim that surprised many observers. The Iranian delegation largely walked out in protest, leaving the room largely empty. Trump’s remarks were followed by a brief, undisclosed meeting between U. S. and Iranian representatives, the details of which remain unclear. The juxtaposition of extreme rhetoric and private diplomacy highlights the volatility of U. S. –Iran relations and raises questions about the future of negotiations and regional stability.