I used to help my father organize simultaneous translators for the National Prayer Breakfast in DC, so I’m familiar with the people and the process.
Simultaneous translation is a very specialized and difficult art—very different than written translation—requiring very (very) specialized skills. Virtually always, simultaneous translators at official events like this are given prepared written remarks that they work from—while the speaker is speaking. Any major UN speech or places you hear simultaneous translation is like that.
When an un-announced speaker shows up—without a prepared text—many times a translator just cannot keep up or won’t even try—as they can get in big trouble if they get stuff wrong.
Having seen these translators in action for years, and provided support for them, I find it very believable that this sheik got in, and got his screed out—without it being simultaneously translated.
BLAH BLAH BLAH (the Dr can’t hear you) BLAH BLAH BLAH