US President Donald Trump has told the United Nations General Assembly that the United States could “annihilate” Iran if a deal is not reached, while saying he expects Tehran to agree to an agreement after the US midterm elections in November.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York on September 22, Trump said he was facing a major decision over whether to pursue an agreement that would allow Iran to rebuild or continue military action against the country.
“I believe we will have a deal after the election because there is no reason they wouldn’t,” Trump said, referring to the November midterm elections.
Trump said the central issue for the United States was preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He argued that Iran’s nuclear capabilities represented a threat that Washington could not ignore.
The remarks came as the conflict between the United States and Iran approaches eight months. Trump also used his address to highlight other foreign-policy issues, including peace initiatives and US actions in the Western Hemisphere, as well as his 20-point plan for peace in Gaza.
Trump is also scheduled to hold meetings with several leaders attending the UN General Assembly, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as diplomatic discussions over international conflicts continue.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also in New York for the UN General Assembly and is scheduled to address the gathering. The United States had agreed to allow Pezeshkian and other senior Iranian officials to attend the meetings despite the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.
Trump has said he could meet Pezeshkian during the UN gathering, although no confirmed meeting has been announced. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also indicated that Trump remains open to such a meeting.
Pezeshkian, meanwhile, has said Iran’s position will be presented at the UN and has criticised Washington over the conflict and previous negotiations. He is due to address the General Assembly on September 23.
The latest developments come amid continuing diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Iran and regional mediators, with the possibility of renewed negotiations remaining open despite Trump’s warnings of further military action.
KIGALI TIMES