US President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his decision to launch a war against Iran, telling world leaders at the UN General Assembly that he has shown resolve while others have hesitated, even as he said he faces a major choice over whether to pursue a deal or destroy Iran’s Islamic Republic.
“I have a big decision to make,” Trump said, suggesting Iran could either reach a deal that would allow it to rebuild or face swift destruction.
Trump called on Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and return to negotiations, while accusing Tehran of delaying a settlement until after the US midterm elections.
“The terrorist regime is behaving badly, not because they are strong and confident, but because they are weak and desperate,” he said.
Most members of Iran’s delegation walked out of the chamber during Trump’s criticism of the Islamic Republic.
Trump also highlighted the US military operation that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a new security agreement expanding the US military presence in Greenland, and his opposition to calls for greater regulation of artificial intelligence.
After the speech, Trump met Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen to sign the Greenland security agreement. The deal keeps Greenland under Danish control but allows the US to expand its military presence there, including plans to begin developing two major military bases.
Trump also held talks with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and was scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
He was also due to meet leaders and senior officials from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the Iran war and recent Iran-backed attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Trump’s address came as his Iran policy has become a political burden for fellow Republicans ahead of the US midterm elections. He nevertheless argued that his leadership has made the world safer.
“I have no interest in leaving dangers to grow for another day. I do not believe in letting problems fester,” Trump said.
The war against Iran is nearing seven months. US and Israeli strikes have killed much of Iran’s top leadership and damaged its air force and navy, while a US blockade of Iranian oil has severely weakened Tehran’s economy.
However, the conflict continues to unsettle energy markets and keep oil prices elevated. Saudi Arabia recently shut a key oil pipeline after it was attacked by Iran-backed militants in Iraq, while Houthi rebels near the Bab al-Mandab Strait have made a key Red Sea shipping route dangerous for oil carriers.
Trump said oil prices would fall sharply once the war ends.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump remained open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York, saying Trump believes engagement is important to solving problems.
Trump also addressed Russia’s war against Ukraine and expressed frustration over continued attacks on energy infrastructure by both sides.
He said he had secured an agreement last week for Russia and Ukraine not to target each other’s energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy said he was ready to follow the plan if Russia did the same, while Moscow said it would only accept the proposal if Western energy sanctions against Russia were lifted.
The attacks have continued despite the proposal.
Trump also pointed to a new sanctions law he signed last week that gives him authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian oil or natural gas, though he has not yet imposed the penalties.
“If necessary, I will have to use them,” Trump said. “It’s time to stop the killing.”