Trump accuses Iran of killing over 72,000 citizens in 2026 UN speech

US President Donald Trump accused the Iranian regime of killing more than 72,000 of its own citizens this year, including 10,000 during recent protests, in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. Trump launched a scathing attack on Tehran and reiterated his pledge to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Trump said Iran has spread violence and chaos in the Middle East and beyond for 51 years, describing it as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. He added that from his first day in office, he was committed to ensuring Iran would never obtain a nuclear weapon.

He explained that Washington began negotiations with Tehran, offering economic cooperation in exchange for ending its nuclear program and support for terrorism, but said Iran rejected the offer. Trump added that the US military carried out "Midnight Hammer," an operation he claimed eliminated and destroyed Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump renewed his call for Tehran to reach an agreement, warning against continued missile development. He claimed Iran is working on a missile capable of reaching Europe and urged European nations to take this into account.

The US president accused Iran of seeking to complete its nuclear arsenal by advancing its ballistic missile capabilities, warning of the international security implications. He repeated that more than 72,000 Iranians were killed this year, including 10,000 in recent protests, according to his remarks, and reiterated his accusations that the Iranian regime uses violence against its citizens.

Trump said he gave Iran opportunities to reach a deal before taking military action, adding that the US intervened to prevent what he described as a nuclear nightmare that could have affected the US and other countries.

Discussing the military operation "Epic Fury," Trump said US forces destroyed 159 Iranian ships, as well as Iranian air forces, radars, air defense systems, missiles, drones, and manufacturing capabilities.

He said these operations caused significant damage to Iran’s economy, noting that inflation in Iran has exceeded 300%, according to his statements.

Trump called on all countries to join what he described as a "total economic blockade" on Iran until it stops attacking commercial ships, abandons its nuclear ambitions, and ceases support for terrorism. He said the US Navy has so far escorted one billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that oil flows through the strait are now at an all-time high.

Trump asserted that Iran could return to negotiations, suggesting a deal might be reached after the US midterm elections. However, he stressed he would not compromise on the Iran issue, saying the only thing that matters is that Iran "never" acquires a nuclear weapon.

He added that the US has sufficient munitions and is increasing its stockpile at an unprecedented pace, noting that 18 new ammunition factories are being built to boost missile and ammunition production for the US and its allies.

Turning to domestic affairs, Trump said the US economy is the envy of the world and the US military is "the strongest." He added, "We are leaders in every field," and said the US is "working to make the world safer."

He stated that the US is stronger than ever, citing record levels in the economy and investments, and emphasized that his administration has moved from words to action in addressing international challenges.

Trump said his administration has created over one million private sector jobs since he took office, and that American household income has reached a record $87,000. He added that 1.5 million Americans were lifted from the brink of poverty last year, and that poverty rates among African American and Latino communities have declined, according to his remarks.

Trump noted that his administration has removed unnecessary regulations and cut taxes, adding that the US attracted $21 trillion in investment commitments from around the world over the past 12 months.

He pointed to record highs in US stock markets and said the US is experiencing economic growth and expanding capabilities, noting that his administration invested $1.5 trillion in the US military.

On domestic security, Trump said the US now has its most secure borders ever, and that no illegal immigrants entered the country in the past 16 months, according to his statements. He added that his administration achieved the largest drop in violent crime in US history last year, with crime in Washington, D.C. falling by 87%, as he claimed.

Trump affirmed that his administration seeks to make the world safer and more prosperous, saying the US will not allow risks to persist or problems to worsen, and prefers to address them before solutions become more difficult.

Regarding Gaza, Trump thanked Jordan and several countries for helping stabilize the area by training police forces. He said a war that raged a year ago ended within weeks, saving thousands of lives, and that all hostages, both living and deceased, were returned.

He expressed gratitude to the UN Security Council for unanimously adopting, as he said, a 20-point peace plan for Gaza and officially approving the creation of a "Peace Council." Trump said 30 countries have joined the council, which he chairs.

Trump noted financial contributions from several countries for Gaza reconstruction, including Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.