Trump: Iran is the world's foremost sponsor of terrorism and will never obtain a nuclear weapon
- Called on countries to join the economic blockade and predicted a deal with Tehran after the midterm elections
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that Iran is the "number one state sponsor of terrorism in the world," accusing the Iranian regime of taking lives over decades, seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, and continuing to develop ballistic missiles. He made these remarks during his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Trump said he had initiated negotiations with Iran to end its support for terrorism and halt its nuclear program, but that Iran had refused. He affirmed that Tehran "will never obtain a nuclear weapon."
He added that, according to him, the Iranian regime has killed more than 72,000 Iranians this year and that the country's inflation rate has reached 300%. He noted that 159 Iranian vessels have been sunk to the seabed as a result of U.S. military operations.
He explained that the U.S. Navy has escorted more than one billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, calling on countries to join the United States in enforcing the economic blockade against Iran.
Trump expressed his belief that the United States will reach a deal with Iran "immediately after the midterm elections." He noted that he had offered Tehran economic cooperation in exchange for ending its nuclear program and its support for terrorism, considering the rejection of the offer a "major mistake."
He said he faces a "major decision" regarding Iran, which, in his words, involves either reaching an agreement that allows Iran to become a "much greater nation" or eliminating it entirely.
Regarding Gaza, Trump stated that a year ago there was no prospect for resolving the crisis, but that he had managed, in his words, to end the war and save thousands of lives. He added that since taking office, he has "had the honor" of ending eight wars, some of which, he said, had lasted for decades.
He affirmed that the United States has returned "stronger than ever," pointing to the strength of the U.S. military and the growth of the economy and energy sector in the country. He stated that the United States possesses an ammunition stockpile that exceeds its needs.
On the matter of Latin America, Trump threatened to use U.S. military force to protect his country's vital national interests, stating that the United States will no longer allow threats directed against it to be entrenched anywhere in the Western Hemisphere.
