NEW YORK — Tensions between the United States and Iran were on display at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York as delegations from both countries walked out during speeches by their respective presidents.
Iranian representatives left the chamber while US President Donald Trump was addressing the assembly on September 22, 2026. The following day, the US delegation walked out as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered his speech and criticized Washington and Israel.
The first walkout occurred during Trump's address to the UN General Assembly. The US president discussed the conflict with Iran and called on Tehran to reach an agreement with Washington.
According to reports, most members of the Iranian delegation left the chamber when Trump turned to Iran in his speech. One Iranian diplomat was reportedly among those who remained until the address ended.
Trump said he was still open to negotiations with Iran while also warning of further military action if an agreement could not be reached.
He also addressed the situation involving the Strait of Hormuz, calling for its reopening and linking the issue to negotiations with Tehran.
A day later, Pezeshkian used his UN address to respond to Trump's statements and present Iran's position on the conflict.
The Iranian president accused the United States and Israel of attacking Iran and described his country as a victim of what he characterized as terrorism.
Pezeshkian also displayed photographs of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and people he identified as victims of attacks carried out by the United States and Israel.
As Pezeshkian made his remarks, members of the US delegation left the General Assembly chamber.
The two walkouts occurred within a day of each other, highlighting the sharp disagreement between Washington and Tehran at the international forum.
Despite the confrontational exchanges at the UN, both sides have indicated that diplomatic contacts remain possible.
Reports said US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had been involved in contacts concerning Iran, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was involved on the Iranian side.
Trump has also indicated that further discussions with Iranian representatives could take place.
Pezeshkian, meanwhile, said Iran remained open to dialogue and negotiations but rejected what he described as attempts to impose conditions through force.
The exchanges at the UN took place amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and continuing disagreements over the conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts have continued outside the General Assembly. Reports indicate that representatives from both sides have maintained contacts despite the public confrontation between their governments.
Pezeshkian has said Iran is prepared to engage in dialogue, while the Trump administration has continued to call for an agreement with Tehran.
The competing positions at the UN therefore reflect the broader dispute between the two governments, while diplomatic channels remain open.
The reciprocal walkouts by US and Iranian delegations underscored the strained relationship between Washington and Tehran during the UN General Assembly.
While the two governments exchanged sharp criticism publicly, diplomatic contacts continued to take place. Further developments will depend on negotiations between the two sides and decisions concerning the broader conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.
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