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United Nations, September 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Iran that it could face “annihilation” if Tehran fails to reach a deal with Washington, while also holding out the prospect of an agreement that would allow the country to rebuild and become a stronger nation.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump reiterated that the US would not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.
“I will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, while defending US military action against Iran and his administration's policy toward Tehran.
Trump said the US military's Operation Midnight Hammer had “obliterated” Iran's nuclear program, describing the facilities as being beneath “mountains of rubble”. These were claims made by the US President in his address.
He then described what he called a “big decision” over Iran's future, contrasting a potential agreement with further military action.
“Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before, maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East, or even the world?” Trump asked.
He added: “Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly?”
Trump said he believed a deal could be reached after the US midterm elections in November, arguing that Iran's leadership was waiting to see the outcome of the polls.
“What they don't realize is that I'm not running,” he said, adding that he would remain in office for another two and a half years.
Trump had previously offered to hold talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York. Pezeshkian was in the US for the UN General Assembly, while diplomatic contacts between the two sides were also reported around the UN gathering.
In his address, Trump also defended his administration's broader foreign policy and military actions, while calling for continued economic pressure on Iran.
His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and a diplomatic push at the UN, with the US President simultaneously leaving open the possibility of negotiations.