Iran: Trump threatens to ‘annihilate’ the Islamic Republic without a deal

Donald Trump warned on Tuesday at the UN podium that he could “annihilate the Islamic Republic” if no agreement is reached to end the war with Iran. The American president simultaneously urged member states to intensify the economic isolation of Tehran, while expressing belief in a deal following the midterm elections on November 3.

The U.S. president spoke during the first day of the general debate at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. He defended the war initiated against Iran in February, claiming it had prevented Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran, for its part, asserts that it is not seeking to develop atomic weapons.

Donald Trump presented the leaders gathered in New York with a choice between an agreement that would allow Iran to rebuild and a new military escalation. He assured that Washington and Tehran would eventually reach a resolution “one way or another” and linked a potential agreement to the outcome of the upcoming U.S. elections in November.

However, American pressure remains at its peak. Trump called on other countries to participate in the economic isolation of Iran to push it towards negotiations, while Tehran had earlier in the day hinted at the possibility of resuming discussions. The gap between this openness and the threats made at the UN highlights the fragility of the diplomatic path.

The conflict, which is nearing its seventh month, has also impacted energy markets and U.S. domestic politics. Donald Trump’s approval rating recently fell to 32%, its lowest level in Reuters/Ipsos polls covering his two presidencies, amid significant dissatisfaction over the cost of living.

Several members of the Iranian delegation left the room during the speech, according to the Associated Press. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are in New York for the General Assembly but did not attend Donald Trump’s address.