Trump said he remained open to negotiations and expressed confidence that a deal with Iran could be reached after the November US midterm elections
By Moses Okorie
US President Donald Trump has threatened renewed military action against Iran if Tehran fails to reach a peace agreement with Washington.
Trump issued the warning on Tuesday in his address to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He said he faced a “big decision” on whether to launch another strike against Iran or pursue a diplomatic solution, warning that the Islamic Republic could face “annihilation” if the conflict continued.
However, Trump said he remained open to negotiations and expressed confidence that a deal with Iran could be reached after the November US midterm elections.
His comments came as senior US and Iranian officials held talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Iranian state television confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the talks were facilitated by Qatar, which conveyed Tehran’s conditions, including an end to the conflict and US military actions against Iran.
Witkoff later confirmed the discussions, saying mediators had shuttled between the two sides throughout the day.
He described the talks as “constructive and promising” and said the mediators would continue their efforts.
Trump also used his UN address to highlight his administration’s economic, immigration and border policies.
He rejected calls for “global government,” pledged efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and said the United States must maintain its leadership in artificial intelligence.
The speech followed a warning by UN Secretary-General António Guterres that global divisions were worsening and that countries remained increasingly interdependent.