Trump to Iran at UN: Make a Deal or Get 'Annihilated'
President Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran in his United Nations speech, while Iran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the U.S. eases military pressure.
UNITED NATIONS — President Donald Trump used his speech to the United Nations General Assembly to threaten Iran with "annihilation," saying the United States would either reach a deal with Tehran or destroy the country [247551][247570].
Trump presented the two outcomes — a negotiated agreement or total destruction — as the only options available [247551]. He also predicted that Tehran would make a deal to end the war after the U.S. midterm elections [247570].
The remarks marked a sharp escalation in rhetoric between the two countries [247650]. Trump also used the speech to defend his decision to launch war with Iran [247534].
Separately, Iran has reportedly said it can reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States reduces its military pressure [247599]. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway in the Middle East through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes. When it is blocked, oil prices usually rise and global shipping is disrupted [247599].
The reports raised hopes of renewed diplomacy between the United States and Iran. U.S. stock futures were mixed, and oil prices fell [247599].
Washington's push to restart ceasefire talks has stalled, and Iran and Iran-aligned Houthi militants are stepping up attacks, with Gulf states absorbing the fallout [242930]. Trump plans to meet Gulf leaders at the United Nations next week to discuss how to end the Iran war [242930].
The United States is also considering a $5 billion fund to rebuild Gulf energy sites damaged in the war against Iran, according to a report. The plan would seek matching contributions from eight regional partners, creating a $10 billion investment vehicle [246777].