US Orders Iranian UN Delegation to Leave Immediately Amid Stalled Talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded the immediate departure of the Iranian delegation from the US after UN talks stalled, highlighting deep tensions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered the Iranian delegation attending the UN General Assembly to immediately leave the United States after negotiations reached an impasse, according to a senior US official and another source briefed on the matter.
Diplomatic Escalation at the UN
Although the Iranians were likely planning to leave New York soon anyway, Rubio's move was an extremely unusual diplomatic step that highlighted the deep distrust between the two countries amid fruitless diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement. Qatari mediators attempted to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Iran but made little headway, as neither side was willing to compromise. Among those ordered to leave New York was Rubio's Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Secretary of State Rubio expelled the Iranian delegation, which had already overstayed its welcome here. The UN General Assembly has concluded, so it is time for them to leave, the senior US official said.
Behind the Scenes
On Monday morning, the White House believed progress might still be achieved in the talks with Iran later in the day. However, by late afternoon, it became clear that the negotiations had hit a dead end. On Monday evening, at Rubio's directive, the US Mission to the UN informed the Iranian UN mission that Araghchi's delegation was required to depart New York immediately, according to the US official. The Iranian delegation, including Araghchi, departed for the airport a few hours later, boarding a flight from New York to Doha at 1:20 AM on Tuesday.
What Lies Ahead
Qatari mediators continue discussing their compromise proposal with both parties, regional sources report. President Donald Trump addressed reporters on Wednesday regarding how he plans to reach a deal with a regime he described as crazy.
Maybe I'll blow them up, President Trump told reporters on Wednesday when asked how he could reach an agreement. Maybe I'll blow them up. We have to make that decision. We're either going to blow them up or make a deal, but time is running out. It's going to end very soon, one way or the other.
