New York, 23 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – US President Donald Trump’s warning to Iran has emerged as a major issue at the United Nations General Assembly, combining threats of further military action with indications that Washington and Tehran remain in contact over ending their nearly seven-month conflict. The Trump Iran warning came during his address to the 81st UN General Assembly on Tuesday, as Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New York for the gathering.
Trump Iran warning focuses on nuclear dispute
Trump used his 37-minute UN address to defend the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran and repeat his longstanding position that Tehran must not acquire a nuclear weapon.
“I will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, according to the White House’s official account of his speech.
Trump went further, warning that the United States could “annihilate” Iran if a peace agreement was not reached. He also urged other countries to economically isolate Tehran.
The remarks placed the Iran conflict prominently within the opening stages of this year’s General Assembly debate, alongside wars elsewhere, artificial intelligence, climate policy and questions about the UN’s role in international crises.
US and Iran continue diplomatic contacts
Trump’s warning was followed by a more diplomatic message later on Tuesday.
The president told reporters that the United States and Iran had been talking and said he believed the two countries would eventually reach an agreement. Reuters reported that diplomatic contacts continued during the UN gathering despite Trump’s confrontational speech.
Iran has also signalled possible movement. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran was prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if Washington eased military pressure and lifted its blockade on Iranian ports. Iran’s delegation in New York has authority to pursue negotiations, according to the official.
Pezeshkian arrives in New York for UNGA
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New York on Tuesday ahead of his participation in the General Assembly. Reuters reported that no Trump-Pezeshkian meeting was planned, although Iran’s delegation was authorised to conduct negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the dispute because disruption to the strategic waterway has affected global energy markets and shipping. Expectations of possible negotiations contributed to movements in oil and financial markets this week.
What happens next?
Attention now turns to Iran’s response at the UN and the diplomatic contacts taking place around the General Assembly.
No peace agreement has been announced. However, Trump’s confirmation of continuing talks and Iran’s conditional offer concerning the Strait of Hormuz show that diplomatic channels remain active despite the escalating public rhetoric.
