Trump threatens to annihilate Iran as diplomats push for deal at UN

President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that he could annihilate Iran if no deal is reached to end the ongoing war, yet also hinted that a possible agreement might emerge soon following diplomatic efforts at the United Nations. During his address at the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump posed a stark choice: either reach a deal allowing Iran to rebuild and potentially emerge stronger than ever before, or opt for an immediate and swift destruction of the Islamic Republic to prevent further atrocities.

Iran's Armed Forces promptly dismissed Trump's statements at the UN as mere propaganda, asserting their readiness to deliver even more severe retaliation against the aggressors. Meanwhile, away from the heated rhetoric, discussions aimed at resolving the nearly seven-month-long conflict persisted. US envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that the United States and Iran had engaged in extensive talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, with mediators facilitating communication between the two sides throughout the day.

Witkoff expressed optimism that these discussions would prove constructive and promising. Trump also met with leaders of Middle Eastern nations eager to resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the vital conduit for a fifth of global oil and gas shipments, but cautious about empowering Iran further. Many of these countries host significant US military bases that have been repeatedly targeted by Iran throughout the conflict.

Trump suggested a potential resolution could occur shortly after the November 3 midterm elections, if not sooner. Amidst mounting domestic pressure due to rising energy costs and the widening regional conflict, as well as the approaching midterms that could alter his political trajectory, the outcome of the ongoing talks held far-reaching implications for global oil markets, Gulf security, and millions of Iranians.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held a meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who has been striving to de-escalate the situation, according to Qatari state news agency reports. The Qatari official noted that Tehran might reopen the Strait of Hormuz within days if the US eases military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports.

Tehran had conveyed its latest proposal to Washington through mediators last week, indicating a potential reopening of the strait to Gulf shipping within seven days if its demands were satisfied. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who represented Iran during previous negotiations, reiterated Iran's unwavering stance, warning Trump that his power could not be imposed upon the Iranian people and their armed forces.