Trump Threatens to ‘Annihilate’ Iran if No Deal Reached
His remarks came as American and Iranian representatives were simultaneously engaged in diplomatic contacts on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it faces a stark choice between reaching a peace agreement with Washington or risking further military action, including what he described as the possible “annihilation” of the Islamic Republic.
Trump issued the warning on Tuesday while addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he said he faced a “big decision” on whether to launch another strike against Iran or pursue a diplomatic settlement.
“If a deal is not made, I may have to annihilate the Islamic Republic,” Trump said, while arguing that the United States could prevent Iran from threatening other countries.
His remarks came as American and Iranian representatives were simultaneously engaged in diplomatic contacts on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Trump later told reporters that US officials had held a “very good” and “very productive” three-hour meeting with Iranian representatives. Iranian state television also confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, the discussions were facilitated through Qatari mediators, who conveyed Tehran’s conditions for ending the conflict, including an end to what Iran described as US “acts of aggression.”
Witkoff later confirmed that the discussions took place through mediators who shuttled between the two sides throughout the day.
“They successfully completed a round of discussions that we hope will prove constructive and promising,” Witkoff said, adding that the mediators would continue their efforts.
Trump said he believed a potential agreement with Iran could emerge after the November US midterm elections, while maintaining pressure on Tehran with the threat of further military action.
The president also used his UN address to defend his administration’s policies on the US economy, immigration, border security and crime, as well as his broader foreign-policy agenda.
He said he opposed the idea of a “global government” and pledged to work toward ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. He also stressed the need for the United States to maintain leadership in artificial intelligence.
Trump’s comments contrasted with those of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned that divisions among countries were deepening and called for greater recognition of the interdependence of nations.
The US president’s address came amid intensive diplomatic activity at the UN, with Trump holding meetings with more than a dozen world leaders as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine continue to test his administration’s foreign-policy objectives.
The latest US-Iranian contacts suggest that diplomatic channels remain open despite Trump’s threat of renewed military action. Reuters reported that Iran has also indicated willingness to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz if Washington eases military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports.
