Trump again threatens to ‘annihilate’ Iran in genocidal UN speech

Donald Trump addressed the United Nations on September 22, voicing his willingness to destroy Iran if no peace agreement is reached to end the ongoing conflict. The President indicated that a possible deal could be reached soon, while also threatening an immediate and swift annihilation of the Islamic Republic. Iran's military forces responded to Trump's remarks by dismissing them as "propaganda" and reaffirming their readiness to inflict severe and unpredictable retaliation on aggressors.

Despite the tensions, diplomatic efforts were underway at the UN General Assembly, with US envoy Steve Witkoff reporting that the United States and Iran engaged in talks on Tuesday through mediators. The goal was to de-escalate the nearly seven-month conflict that began with joint US-Israeli strikes, which has resulted in thousands of casualties, soaring oil prices, and heightened tensions among neighboring countries.

Trump met with leaders of Middle Eastern nations eager to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key conduit for a fifth of global oil and gas shipments. However, many of these countries also host significant US military bases that have been repeatedly targeted by Iran throughout the war. Trump expressed hopes that the situation with Iran might improve following the November midterm elections, but he could not guarantee a resolution before then.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who has been working to de-escalate the conflict. Iran reportedly conveyed its latest proposal to Washington through mediators last week, suggesting that the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened to Gulf shipping within seven days if its demands were met.

Iranian officials emphasized that Tehran would never surrender to US pressure, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stating that the Iranian people and its armed forces would not be subjected to any imposition of power. Meanwhile, escalating regional tensions loomed over the talks, with Saudi Arabia drawn deeper into the conflict as Houthi fighters advanced in Yemen, threatening Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea.

The US rebuffed calls from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to rejoin the fight against the Houthis, citing historical complexities and potential impacts on its relationship with the Houthis.