Trump Says Iran Deal Possible After US Midterms
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Trump said the United States was significantly stronger than in the past and argued that the country’s future was brighter than ever.
US President Donald Trump has said he faces a “big decision” over Iran — whether to “destroy” the country or allow it to recover , while reiterating that Tehran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Trump said the United States was significantly stronger than in the past and argued that the country’s future was brighter than ever.
He said the US was attracting more investment than any other country, described the American military as the most powerful in the world and said US borders were more secure than before. Trump also claimed that the murder rate in the United States had fallen to its lowest level in 125 years and that poverty had declined to a record low.
Trump Says Iran Cannot Have Nuclear Weapons
Turning to Iran, Trump said Tehran had previously been able to act aggressively across the Middle East but could no longer do so.
He reiterated that Iran could not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons and accused Tehran of promoting terrorism around the world.
Trump said Washington had sought an agreement with Tehran but that Iran had refused. He described the Iranian government as a “terror regime” and argued that its current behaviour reflected weakness rather than strength.
The US president also claimed that Iran’s economy had been devastated and that inflation in the country had reached 300 percent.
Trump Expects Iran Deal After Midterm Elections
Trump said he believed an agreement with Iran could be reached after the US midterm elections.
According to Trump, Iranian officials wanted to see what his political position would be following the midterms, adding that they appeared not to realise that he himself was not running in those elections.
During the address, Trump also claimed that the US Navy had moved one billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Again Refers to Pakistan-India Conflict
Trump once again referred to his claimed role in ending the conflict between Pakistan and India while addressing the General Assembly.
The US president has repeatedly cited the Pakistan-India conflict when discussing what he describes as his administration’s efforts to resolve international disputes.
Trump Urges Countries to Withdraw From ICC
In another major part of his address, Trump called on countries to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), arguing that international institutions should not be allowed to impose their agendas on the United States.
Trump said the ICC had no jurisdiction over US citizens and that Washington would not compromise on its sovereignty or national security.
He said the United States would defend its citizens and national interests and would not allow American military personnel to face what he described as “sham” trials by an “anti-American tribunal.”
Addressing ICC member states, Trump called on them to formally withdraw from what he described as a “rogue institution.”
