US President Donald Trump, speaking at the UN General Assembly, threatened to "destroy the Islamic Republic" if Washington and Tehran do not reach an agreement to end the conflict. He also called on other countries to strengthen the economic isolation of Iran. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Trump said he expects to conclude a peace agreement with Iran after the US midterm elections, which will be held on November 3. According to him, economic pressure should force Tehran to the negotiating table.
"I have an important decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that will allow them to rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was? Or will I destroy the Islamic Republic, and do it quickly, without giving them a single chance to again kill and destroy people and countries?" Trump said.
Justifying military action against Iran, the American president claimed that they prevented Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
After his speech, Trump told journalists about a "very good" three-hour meeting between American representatives and the Iranian delegation. He later clarified that special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had spoken with intermediaries.
"Today Steve and Jared had a very productive meeting with Iranian intermediaries, just intermediaries," Trump said before a meeting with Persian Gulf leaders at the UN.
He also rejected suggestions that the results of the midterm elections could limit his actions regarding Iran. In these elections, the Republican Party risks losing control of Congress.
In his speech, Trump touched on the situation in the Western Hemisphere. He called Mexico the "epicenter of cartel violence" and called on its authorities to restore control over the country's territory.
Speaking about Cuba, the US president said his administration is seeking "fundamental change" on the island. During this part of the speech, the Cuban delegation left the hall.
Trump also linked US actions in Venezuela to the intention to prevent threats to Washington in the Western Hemisphere.