Donald Trump, United States President, told the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday that he faced a major choice on Iran. He said the options were a deal that would allow the country to rebuild or decisive military action to end its ability to threaten others.
Trump addressed the 81st session of the assembly while speaking about the ongoing Middle East conflict. He framed the decision in direct terms.
Trump stated: “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, maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world?”
“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness or generations?”
He then expressed confidence that diplomacy could still succeed. Trump said he believed an agreement was possible after the United States midterm elections in November.
Trump added: “I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election because it doesn’t make sense for them not to. They’re waiting to see how I do in the midterm election. What they don’t realize is that I’m not running. I did that already, and won in a landslide.”
The remarks came as peace talks with Iran remained stalled. Trump called on United Nations members to support the American effort and to maintain economic pressure on Tehran. He described the situation as the United States settling years of unfinished business.
Iranian representatives left the hall during parts of the speech, according to reports from the session. Trump maintained that a negotiated outcome remained his preferred course once the midterm vote concluded.
