Trump At UNGA: ‘Deal’ Or ‘Annihilate’ Iran? US President Weighs Options, Says Russia-Ukraine Deal Will Happen ‘Quickly’

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he is weighing whether to reach a deal with Iran or “annihilate” the Islamic Republic, while suggesting that an agreement could be reached after the November midterm elections.

Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump spoke at length about the wars involving Iran and Ukraine, reiterating his claim that he has helped resolve multiple conflicts since returning to office.

‘Deal’ Or ‘Hell’ For Iran?

Trump presented what he described as a stark choice regarding Iran, asking whether the US should pursue a deal that would allow the country to rebuild or instead “annihilate” the Islamic Republic.

“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?” Trump asked.

He then posed another option, asking whether he should “annihilate” the Islamic Republic “quickly”, leaving it with “no chance” to kill or destroy again.

“Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness?” he said.

Trump defended US military action against Iran, saying Washington had given Tehran multiple opportunities to reach a deal before the strikes.

Trump Cites October 7 Attack

Referring to the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, Trump said the anniversary was approaching and alleged that “terrorists funded by Iran” had tortured, mutilated and killed 1,200 civilians, including Americans.

He also alleged that Iran’s then-Supreme Leader had celebrated the attack.

Trump further claimed, without providing details during the speech, that the Iranian regime had “slaughtered over 72,000 of its own citizens this year.”

“Just imagine if such a vile regime were ever empowered to carry out large-scale terror attacks from behind a nuclear shield,” Trump said.

He argued that the US had acted after giving Iran “every chance for a deal”.

“After giving Iran every chance for a deal, I took action to ensure that neither the United States, nor any nation in this hall, would ever have to face such a nightmare,” Trump said.

Trump Calls For ‘Complete Economic Isolation’ Of Iran

Trump also urged countries to maintain economic pressure on Tehran.

He called on nations to support “complete economic isolation of Iran” until Tehran stops attacks on commercial shipping, abandons its nuclear ambitions and ends its support for terrorism.

Trump also praised a UN Security Council resolution that he said condemned Iran’s alleged attacks on commercial shipping, claiming it had received unprecedented support from UN member states.

Trump Dismisses Reports Of US Munitions Shortages

Addressing reports that the US could be running low on ammunition because of military operations, Trump rejected the claims.

He said critics would like to portray the US as short of munitions but insisted that Washington has extensive supplies.

“We have more munitions than we could ever possibly think of using,” Trump said, adding that the US is increasing production to levels not seen before.

Trump said 18 major munitions plants are currently under “rapid construction” and that additional facilities will open soon.

Russia-Ukraine War: Trump Says Deal Will Happen ‘Quickly’

Trump also turned to the Russia-Ukraine war, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky present in the UNGA audience.

Repeating his claim that he has helped settle eight wars since taking office, Trump said the US is working closely with both Moscow and Kyiv and would eventually secure an agreement.

“We’re working very closely with the leaders of both countries, and we’re going to get a deal done,” Trump said.

He added that the agreement could come “more quickly than people understand”.

“It is time to stop the killing,” Trump said, referring to continued casualties in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Trump also referred to recently approved legislation on Russian sanctions, saying it gives him significant new tariff powers that he could use if necessary.