US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the country faces two options: reaching a deal that would end the confrontation and open up its economy, or facing 'annihilation'. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump emphasized that his stance on Iran's nuclear program has not changed since he took office. He stressed that he will not allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon.
Trump described Iran as the 'number one state sponsor of terrorism', accusing the Iranian regime of promoting violence and chaos in the Middle East and beyond for 51 years. He claimed that his administration has offered Iran a chance to negotiate, with economic cooperation in exchange for ending its nuclear program and what he described as support for terrorism. However, Iran has rejected this offer.
The US military operation 'Operation Nightingale' was referenced by Trump, who stated that US forces had destroyed Iran's nuclear program and prevented what he described as a 'nuclear nightmare' that could threaten the US and other countries. This operation was presented as a demonstration of the US military's capability to prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear military capability.
Trump renewed his call for Iran to negotiate, warning that the country is working on developing a missile capable of reaching Europe. He urged European countries to take this issue into consideration. Trump also claimed that Iran was seeking to complete its nuclear program by developing its ballistic missile capabilities, warning of the potential consequences for international security.
According to Trump, US military operations have resulted in significant losses for Iran, including the destruction of 159 Iranian ships, as well as air, radar, and defense systems. He also claimed that the Iranian economy has suffered greatly, with inflation exceeding 300%. Additionally, Trump accused the Iranian regime of killing large numbers of its citizens, stating that over 72,000 people were killed this year, including 10,000 during recent protests.
Despite the escalation in Trump's rhetoric, the US has kept the door open for diplomacy with Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US is open to meeting with Iranian officials on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, provided that there is a chance of achieving a positive outcome, primarily preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
In response, Iran has expressed willingness to continue diplomatic efforts through its delegation in New York, despite deep differences over the terms of any agreement to end hostilities. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's potential meeting with Trump has been ruled out, but the country remains open to negotiations. Meanwhile, the Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized that diplomacy does not mean surrender, describing negotiations as 'another battlefield'.
Key points
- Trump warns Iran of 'annihilation' if a deal is not reached.
- The US keeps the door open for diplomacy with Iran.
- Iran expresses willingness to continue diplomatic efforts.
