Trump warns in UN speech he could 'annihilate' Iran without peace deal

Reuters. US President Donald Trump used his UN General Assembly speech on Tuesday (September 22) to argue that the war with Iran prevented Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and warn that he could "annihilate the Islamic Republic" if no deal is reached to end the conflict.

While predicting his administration would strike a peace deal with Iran following the November 3 US midterm elections, Trump called on other nations to join America in isolating Iran economically to force it to the negotiating table.

"I have a big decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before?" Trump said. "Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?"

The speech marked the latest justification Trump has offered for the war with Iran. He has previously cited a range of reasons for the February US-Israeli strikes, including Tehran's nuclear program, its support for regional proxy groups and the prospect of regime change.

Iran has consistently denied seeking to develop nuclear weapons.