Trump Tells UN He Faces 'Big Decision' on Renewing Attacks Against Iran
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Trump said he must decide whether to strike Iran again or reach a deal, and accused Tehran of stalling until after the US midterms.
US President Donald Trump told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that he faces a "big decision" over whether to renew military attacks on Iran, framing the choice as one between a negotiated settlement and further strikes.
In his address, Trump posed the question of whether an agreement would allow Iran to rebuild and become "a far greater country than it ever was before," or whether he should instead "annihilate the Islamic Republic" quickly, so that it is never again able to kill and destroy people and countries. He also asked whether he should "drive them into hell."
Trump said he expects Tehran to "make a deal right after the election" in November, suggesting Iranian leaders are attempting to wait out the midterm vote in the hope of pressuring Republicans who want to keep control of Congress.
He maintained that the US election would not shape his approach to Iran, stating that he would "not give credence to the election when it comes to Iran" and that it "doesn't even enter my mind."
The remarks amounted to a defence of his earlier actions against Iran, delivered before world leaders at the annual gathering of the General Assembly.