23 September 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Iran has condemned US President Donald Trump’s threat to “annihilate” the Islamic Republic, describing his remarks at the United Nations General Assembly as evidence of what Tehran considers Washington’s violations of international law.
Iranian military authorities also accused Trump of using the UN platform for threats and domestic political messaging, while Tehran continues to signal that diplomacy could still be pursued under certain conditions.
Trump Threatens ‘Annihilation’
During his UN General Assembly address on September 22, Trump presented Iran with what he described as a choice between reaching a deal and facing possible destruction of the Islamic Republic.
Trump said he had a “big decision” to make over whether to allow Iran to rebuild or to “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if an agreement could not be reached. He also said the US would not allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Iranian Military Condemns Remarks
Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces and the Central Headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya condemned Trump’s statements.
Iranian military authorities described the remarks as a tool for “domestic propaganda” and accused the US president of using threats to create insecurity around the world.
Iranian officials have also repeatedly accused Washington and Israel of violating international law during the conflict.
Tehran Raises International-Law Concerns
Iran has argued that threats to destroy a sovereign state amount to serious violations of international norms.
At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva earlier this week, Iran’s envoy Ali Bahreini called for accountability over what he described as US-Israeli attacks on Iranian civilians and infrastructure. His comments included allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, which represent the Iranian government’s position.
Whether particular actions constitute international crimes is ultimately a matter for competent legal and judicial processes, rather than something established solely by political statements.
UN Report Adds to Legal Dispute
The exchange of accusations comes days after a UN-backed fact-finding mission said it had found “reasonable grounds to believe” that the United States committed war crimes in two strikes in Iran earlier this year.
The mission examined a strike on a primary school in Minab and another on a sports facility and surrounding residential area in Lamerd. The report said the Minab attack killed more than 150 people, including around 120 children.
The US government has rejected the findings and questioned the credibility of the UN Human Rights Council process. The fact-finding mission itself is investigative rather than a judicial body and cannot initiate criminal prosecutions.
Iran Also Faces International Allegations
The same UN investigation also accused Iranian authorities of crimes against humanity during a crackdown on anti-government protests that began late last year.
The investigators cited allegations including unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances. They said they could not independently verify the total death toll but believed it was likely substantially higher than official Iranian figures.
Iran has rejected allegations of systematic abuses and has attributed the unrest to foreign-backed groups and security threats.
Diplomacy Remains Possible
Despite the harsh rhetoric, Iran has indicated that negotiations remain possible.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington eases military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. The official said Iran’s delegation in New York had authority to pursue diplomatic discussions through mediators.
The development suggests that military threats and diplomatic contacts are continuing simultaneously.
Surprise US-Iran Talks
Trump later said that US and Iranian officials had held an unexpected meeting through mediators on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner reportedly held talks with Iranian representatives for about three hours. Trump described the meeting as positive, although he said the Iranian representatives were not at the highest level.
A Conflict With Global Consequences
The dispute has broader implications because the conflict has affected the Strait of Hormuz, a major energy route, as well as global oil markets and regional security.
Iran has said it is prepared to restore access to the waterway if military pressure is reduced, while Washington continues to demand an agreement addressing Iran’s nuclear programme and wider security concerns.
Threats and Negotiations Continue Side by Side
Trump’s UN remarks have sharply escalated the rhetoric surrounding the conflict, while subsequent diplomatic contacts indicate that negotiations have not completely broken down.
Iran’s description of Trump’s threat as an “admission” of international crimes reflects Tehran’s political and legal position. The underlying allegations involving both sides remain subject to international investigation and dispute.