US President says Tehran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons; signals possibility of a new deal
United Nations, New York, September 22 (SDNA)
US President Donald Trump put Iran’s nuclear programme at the centre of his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, saying that his administration would not allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons. He also indicated that Washington could face a major decision between pursuing a new agreement with Iran and taking much tougher action if diplomacy fails.
Trump said preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state had remained a key objective of his administration. He accused the Iranian government of supporting violence and instability across the Middle East and argued that Tehran had rejected proposals aimed at ending its nuclear programme and support for militant groups.
The US president also referred to Iran’s ballistic missile and drone capabilities, claiming that American military action had disrupted efforts that he said were moving toward the development of a nuclear weapon. These statements were part of Trump’s broader defence of his administration’s approach to the Iran conflict.
Deal or tougher action
During the speech, Trump said Washington had a major decision ahead regarding Iran. He suggested that a diplomatic agreement could still be reached, while also warning that the alternative could involve extremely severe action against Tehran. Reuters reported that Trump expressed the view that a deal could potentially emerge after the November 3 US midterm elections.
At the same time, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remained open to discussions with Iranian representatives at the UN, provided such engagement could contribute to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Strait of Hormuz and global trade
Trump also linked his Iran policy to international trade and the strategic Strait of Hormuz. His remarks came amid continuing concerns over maritime security and the movement of energy supplies through the region.
Iran, meanwhile, has indicated that it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if the United States reduces military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports. Iranian officials have also indicated that their delegation in New York has authority to pursue diplomatic discussions.
Gaza and Ukraine also feature
The US president also discussed the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. He presented his administration’s efforts as part of a wider diplomatic strategy aimed at ending major international conflicts.
On Ukraine, Trump said his administration was engaging with both Moscow and Kyiv and expressed confidence that the conflict could be resolved through continued diplomatic efforts.
Trade, Venezuela and UN reforms
Beyond the Iran issue, Trump used his UN address to outline several other elements of his foreign and economic policy. He discussed US relations with Venezuela, international trade and energy, as well as his administration’s approach to international organisations.
Trump also criticised the United Nations bureaucracy and the International Criminal Court, while defending reductions in US government spending on international institutions. His speech further touched on Cuba, Greenland and US security interests in the Western Hemisphere.
The 81st UN General Assembly general debate is being held in New York from September 22 to September 28, bringing together heads of state, governments and senior representatives from across the world.
Trump’s address therefore combined warnings over Iran’s nuclear programme with a broader presentation of his administration’s foreign-policy priorities, while diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran remained open on the sidelines of the UN gathering.