Trump warns of "annihilation" of Iran at U.N. amid ongoing conflict
President Trump told the U.N. General Assembly that the United States could either reach a nuclear deal with Iran or destroy the regime, while also addressing other regional issues such as drug cartels and a new security pact on Greenland.
President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, stating that the United States faces a choice between securing a nuclear agreement with Iran or taking decisive military action against the Islamic Republic. He said, "Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country ... or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic, and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy again?" The remarks came as the war in the Middle East entered its seventh month, with public opinion showing less than one-third of Americans approving the president’s handling of the conflict.
Trump asserted that the United States would achieve a deal after the upcoming midterm elections and emphasized the need for unified pressure on Tehran. He denied reports that the war had depleted U.S. munitions stocks, saying, "That's not true." He also praised the applause his pledge to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon received from the assembly.
In addition to Iran, Trump outlined priorities for the Western Hemisphere, promising to use "unmatched military might" against drug cartels and describing them as the "ISIS of the Western Hemisphere." He called Mexico the "epicenter of the cartel violence" and urged the country to regain control of its territory.
The president also referenced a new security agreement with Denmark concerning Greenland, claiming it would give the United States "permanent control over security and all of the needs" of the Arctic territory and allow the construction of two major military bases. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the accord respects Denmark's sovereignty and Greenland's right to self-determination.
Trump’s speech combined remarks on Iran, Latin America, and Arctic security, highlighting his administration’s broader strategic objectives.