By Spy Uganda
US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face further military action if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington, telling the United Nations General Assembly that he could “annihilate the Islamic Republic” if no deal is reached.
Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Trump defended his administration’s military campaign against Iran, arguing that US action had prevented Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He also called on other countries to economically isolate Iran and increase pressure on its government to return to negotiations.
“I have a big decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before? Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly?” Trump said during his address.
Trump said he expected a deal with Iran could be reached after the November 3 US midterm elections. Later, speaking to reporters at the UN, he said US officials had held what he described as a “very good” three-hour meeting with Iranian representatives, although he did not provide details of the discussions.
His remarks came as the United States continues to press Iran over its nuclear programme and the broader conflict in the Middle East. Trump presented the campaign as part of a wider foreign-policy approach centred on the use of American military and economic power.
Trump also used the 37-minute address to defend US actions in the Western Hemisphere, including operations involving Venezuela, and to call for stronger measures against drug cartels.
Turning to Mexico, Trump described the country as a major centre of cartel violence and urged its government to take greater control over areas affected by criminal groups. He also renewed his pressure on Cuba, declaring that the country was failing.
Members of the Cuban delegation reportedly walked out of the UN chamber while Trump was speaking about his administration’s policy toward Havana.
Trump also renewed his criticism of the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, arguing that US military personnel should not be subject to the ICC’s authority. His comments came days after a UN fact-finding mission said there were reasonable grounds to believe US forces committed war crimes in two strikes on Iran, including one that hit a primary school in Minab.
Beyond Iran, Trump said the United States would continue using its influence to address conflicts and security challenges around the world. He also discussed artificial intelligence, saying he did not want to restrict the growth of a technology he believes could have an impact greater than the Industrial Revolution.
The speech opened a busy diplomatic schedule for Trump at the UN, where he was due to meet several world leaders as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine remained central issues.
The 81st General Assembly’s high-level debate is taking place from September 22 to September 28 at UN headquarters in New York.
