Big decision’ looms: Donald Trump warns Iran at UN

NEW YORK: US President Donald Trump said he was facing a major decision over Iran, warning that he could destroy the country or allow it to recover if a deal is not reached.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Trump said the United States was now stronger than it had been in the past, adding that the country was moving forward and had a brighter future.

Trump also highlighted what he described as economic and security achievements in the United States, claiming that the country was attracting more investment than any other nation, that the US military was the world’s most powerful, and that border security and crime levels had improved.

The US president said that while others had talked about peace, his administration had made peace possible. He also claimed that poverty in the United States had fallen to a record low.

Turning to Iran, Trump said Tehran had previously engaged in what he described as “bullying” in the Middle East but could no longer do so. He reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon and accused Tehran of promoting terrorism.

Trump said he had sought to reach an agreement with Iran but that Tehran had refused. He described Iran’s government as behaving badly and argued that its conduct reflected weakness rather than strength.

He also claimed that Iran’s economy had been devastated and that inflation had reached 300%. Trump said he expected a deal with Tehran after the US midterm elections.

According to Trump, Iran was waiting to see how he would perform in the midterm elections. He said Iranian officials had failed to recognize that he himself was not a candidate in those elections.

Trump also referred to US naval operations around the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that the US Navy had enabled the movement of one billion barrels of oil through the strategic waterway.

In his address, Trump again mentioned his role in efforts to end the conflict between Pakistan and India.

The US president also called on countries to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), arguing that the court should not have jurisdiction over American citizens.

Trump said no international organization should attempt to impose its agenda on the United States and stressed that Washington would not compromise on its sovereignty or security.

He said the US would defend its citizens and national interests and would not allow American military personnel to face what he described as “anti-American tribunals.”

Trump urged ICC member states to withdraw from the court, calling it a “rogue institution.”