President Donald Trump presented two possible paths: an agreement that would allow Iran to rebuild or a rapid escalation against the Islamic Republic|John Gillespie|CC BY SA 2.0
Diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war gained momentum, even as President Donald Trump threatened Tehran during his United Nations General Assembly speech in New York on Tuesday.
At the coveted UN stage, Trump defended the Iran war, even as he warned of greater military action. He presented two possible paths: an agreement that would allow Iran to rebuild or “annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly.”
US envoy Steve Witkoff said mediators have been carrying messages between American and Iranian officials. The president also told Gulf leaders that the conflict could end before or after the November 3 midterm elections.
Iran, however, showed no sign of backing down. Its military called Trump’s comments propaganda and warned of a tougher response.
The conflict has lasted nearly seven months, killing thousands and disrupting energy markets. Tehran has also offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington lifts its blockade and reduces military pressure.
Trump also defended the US intervention in Venezuela before pivoting to AI, rejecting calls for guardrails and declaring that official government documents would rename the technology “super intelligence.”