Trump Warns He Could ‘Annihilate’ Iran in UN Address

US President Donald Trump has warned that he could “annihilate” Iran if a peace agreement cannot be reached, delivering a stark message during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

Trump told world leaders that he faced a choice between reaching a deal that would allow Iran to rebuild and taking further military action against the Islamic Republic.

“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly?” Trump said, according to Reuters.

Trump said his administration’s objective was to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He also called on other countries to support economic pressure and isolation of Iran in an effort to force Tehran back to negotiations.

Despite his warning, Trump said he expected a potential agreement with Iran after the November 3 US midterm elections.

His comments came amid renewed diplomatic efforts at the United Nations, with regional leaders calling for negotiations and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani urged diplomacy, saying the Gulf crisis could be resolved through diplomatic means and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime navigation.

Iran’s Armed Forces rejected Trump’s remarks as “propaganda” and said Iranian forces remained prepared to respond to further attacks.

Trump’s remarks have added to international concerns over the conflict and the potential consequences for regional security, global energy supplies and diplomatic relations.