Trump: America is back... and Iran faces the choice of agreement or annihilation
US President Donald Trump, in his address to the United Nations General Assembly yesterday, presented a comprehensive overview of his domestic and foreign policies, placing American economic, military, and technological strength at the core of his vision, before affirming that Washington would not hesitate to use force when it perceives its interests and security to be threatened.
Trump stated that “America is back,” asserting that the US economy, military, technology, and energy sectors are stronger than ever. He pointed to stock markets reaching 80 record highs over the past 12 months and to commitments for new investments totaling $21 trillion. He linked these achievements to stricter border security, a decline in illegal immigration and crime, and affirmed that, in his view, the United States has become safer and more prosperous.
Iran occupied the most confrontational part of the speech. Trump affirmed that he would not allow it to acquire nuclear weapons, accusing its regime of continuing to develop missiles and drones and of supporting terrorism.
He added that Washington is prepared to maintain pressure, calling on all countries to impose “complete economic isolation” on Tehran until it abandons its nuclear ambitions, stops attacks on navigation, and ends its support for terrorism.
Trump presented Iran with a dual choice: an agreement that would allow it to rebuild and return to playing a larger role in the region, or the “destruction of the Islamic Republic” swiftly. However, he said he expects to reach an agreement after the US midterm elections in November, affirming that his stance on the Iranian file is not driven by electoral calculations.
He spoke about the war in Ukraine, stating that Washington is working with Moscow and Kyiv to end it, and that this will happen “sooner than people expect,” citing his estimate that approximately 25,000 young people, mostly soldiers, are dying monthly.
Trump affirmed that the United States is reasserting its power, including military strength, around the world. He said his administration had classified drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, carried out dozens of strikes against drug-smuggling boats, and called on Mexico to regain control of its territory. He also urged countries around the world to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, describing it as an “out-of-control institution” and a “wicked group of people.”
Regarding Cuba, he announced that his administration is seeking “radical change,” stating that the communist regime is facing the greatest pressure in its history and that it “will fall.” The Cuban delegation left the hall during Trump’s remarks about the island.
On the issue of artificial intelligence, Trump rejected any “global system” to control the technology, affirming that Washington would not hinder the AI revolution, while emphasizing the need for caution. He announced his desire to use the term “superintelligence” instead of artificial intelligence, considering that the United States is leading the race and is far ahead of China.
Following his speech, Trump was preparing to meet with more than 11 leaders and officials in bilateral and multilateral meetings, including British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, as well as representatives of the six Gulf states.
The Gulf meeting is receiving special attention amid concerns over the escalating influence of the Houthis and threats to navigation in the Bab al-Mandab strait. Meanwhile, Rodríguez’s meeting comes as Washington moves to open Venezuela’s oil sector to US investments. Trump is also expected to sign an agreement with Denmark and Greenland to enhance the US military presence on the island and limit the presence of geopolitical rivals.
