Trump threatens to ‘annihilate’ Iran in UN speech as officials from both countries meet on sidelines

President Donald Trump warned the United Nations General Assembly that he faced a "big decision" on whether to strike Iran again or negotiate a peace deal. Addressing his audience in New York, Trump said he could "annihilate" the Islamic Republic if a resolution was not reached. Before a packed hall, the president also rejected notions of "global government," pledged to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, and vowed to secure the United States' victory in the artificial intelligence race.

Amid high-level diplomacy, US and Iranian representatives met on the sidelines of the assembly. During his speech, Trump touted his economic, immigration, border and crime accomplishments, while justifying the war with Iran, which has led to global oil price spikes and declining approval ratings. The president's speech contrasted sharply with the UN Secretary General António Guterres' warning that global divisions were deepening.

Trump also signed a deal with Denmark to increase US military presence in Greenland, emphasizing national sovereignty and military power over international institutions.