Trump Warns Iran of ‘Annihilation’ as He Calls for Economic Pressure at UN

NEW YORK — US President Donald Trump used his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to defend his administration’s military campaign against Iran, saying the US had prevented Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and warning that he could “annihilate the Islamic Republic” if no agreement is reached to end the conflict.

Trump said he believes a deal with Iran could eventually be reached after the November 3 US midterm elections. At the same time, he urged other countries to join Washington in applying economic pressure on Tehran to push the Iranian government toward negotiations.“I have a big decision to make,” Trump said. He presented two possible paths: reaching an agreement that would allow Iran to rebuild or taking military action to destroy the Islamic Republic.

Later, speaking to reporters at the United Nations, Trump said US officials had held a “very good” three-hour meeting with the Iranian delegation.

Focus on Iran and US Foreign Policy

Trump’s 37-minute speech outlined his broader foreign-policy agenda and defended a series of controversial US actions abroad. He argued that military action against Iran had reduced the threat posed by a potential nuclear-armed adversary.

“Our actions in  Venezuela are proof that the United States will no longer permit threats to America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western Hemisphere,” Trump said, adding, “While others have spoken of peace, I have made peace.”

Outside the UN headquarters, dozens of demonstrators opposed to Iran’s government gathered, with some carrying signs calling for democracy and criticizing the Iranian leadership.Trump also dismissed suggestions that the upcoming midterm elections could limit his ability to pursue his Iran policy. He said he had already won the presidency and would remain in office for another two and a half years.

Criticism of Mexico and Cuba

Trump also turned his attention to US relations with neighbouring countries. He described Mexico as the “epicentre of cartel violence” and called on its government to take greater control over its territory.

He also said his administration was seeking a “fundamental change” in the situation in Cuba. Members of the Cuban delegation reportedly walked out of the UN hall while Trump was discussing his policy toward the country.Trump described Cuba as a failed state and predicted that its current situation would worsen.

Renewed Criticism of the UN and ICC

Trump again criticized the United Nations and highlighted his administration’s efforts to reduce what he described as unnecessary bureaucracy within the organization.

He also criticized the International Criminal Court, saying that US military personnel should not be subject to its jurisdiction.The remarks came less than a week after a UN fact-finding mission said it had reasonable grounds to believe that US forces committed war crimes in two strikes on Iran, including an attack that hit a primary school in Minab. Trump rejected the authority of international institutions to investigate US personnel.

T rump also addressed the rapid development of artificial intelligence, acknowledging the risks associated with the technology while arguing that governments should not unnecessarily restrict its growth.“I’m not going to stifle growth of something that will be bigger than the Industrial Revolution,” he said.Meetings With World LeadersTrump’s UN appearance began a busy schedule of diplomatic meetings with world leaders as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine continued to dominate international discussions.

He met with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with discussions reportedly covering trade, Ukraine and the Falkland Islands.Trump also met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who highlighted the importance of the US-Japan alliance amid growing security concerns in Asia.Trump was also scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the week.During his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump said they discussed efforts to find a solution to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The UN speech and Trump’s diplomatic meetings underscored his administration’s emphasis on US military power, economic pressure and bilateral negotiations in dealing with major international conflicts.