Trump tells UN he may opt to ‘annihilate’ Iran

President Donald Trump told the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 22 that he must decide whether to reach a deal with Iran or to annihilate the Islamic Republic. During his speech, Trump stated he might choose to destroy the nation quickly to prevent it from killing or destroying other countries and people, adding that he could drive them into hell without hope for future generations.

These comments repeat a threat that Pope Leo, Catholic bishops, and other world leaders have denounced as morally unjustifiable. Trump suggested a deal might be reached after the election. He also noted that while the Republican Party is running in the midterm election, he is not running, having previously won in a landslide.

The president's remarks come as his approval rating for foreign affairs reached 29% in a CNN/SSRS survey, a decline pollsters attribute to the Iran war. Following the speech, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi met with U.S. envoys Witkoff and Kushner for three hours, though reports indicate deep distrust remains.