US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran at the United Nations General Assembly, saying Tehran faces a choice between reaching an agreement with Washington or facing further military action.
Trump said the US could “annihilate” Iran or leave it with no prospect of rebuilding if it rejects a deal. At the same time, he expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached soon after the November 3 US midterm elections.
Iranian delegates reportedly walked out of the UN hall as Trump defended the US military campaign against Tehran.
Trump also claimed Iran was waiting to see the outcome of the midterm elections before deciding whether to resume negotiations. He rejected suggestions that domestic politics were shaping his policy towards Iran, saying the elections did not influence his approach.
The US president said American military operations had significantly weakened Iran’s regional influence. He also accused Tehran of supporting terrorism and expanding its missile and drone programmes. Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons and has accused Washington of aggression.
Trump urged countries to maintain pressure on Tehran and backed international action over attacks on commercial shipping.
He also said US forces had escorted more than one billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. Trump dismissed concerns about US weapons shortages, saying Washington was expanding arms production and building additional manufacturing facilities.