Trump’s UN General Assembly speech: ‘Big decision’ on Iran, call for economic isolation and 8 other key points | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump addressed world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, using his speech to defend his administration’s foreign policy, warning Iran against its nuclear program, calling for Tehran’s economic isolation and outlining his stances on conflicts and countries including Ukraine, Russia, Cuba and Venezuela.
Trump also said he believed the US and Iran could reach a deal after November’s midterm elections, insisting Iran would never be allowed to get a nuclear weapon.
Here are the key takeaways from Trump’s speech at the UN General Assembly:
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Trump expressed his belief that the US could reach a deal with Iran as soon as November’s midterm elections, suggesting it would make sense for Iran to negotiate after the election results.
Trump has reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, making it a central part of his foreign policy and portraying Iran as a major sponsor of terror in the Middle East.
Trump has called on nations around the world to participate in the complete economic isolation of Iran until it halts its attacks on maritime shipping, abandons its nuclear ambitions and stops supporting terrorism.
Trump mentioned two paths for Iran: reach a negotiated settlement or face continued military pressure, even hinting at the possibility of destroying the Islamic Republic of Iran if a deal is not reached.
Trump’s speech was seen as a major factor affecting oil markets, with traders eyeing his statement on Iran and the potential for negotiations, which weighed on oil prices amid continued tensions.
1. Trump says Iran deal could come after November election
Trump said he expected the U.S. to reach a deal with Iran after the U.S. election in November.
“I believe we will come to an agreement right after the election because it doesn’t make sense for them.”
He indicated that Iran is waiting to see how Republicans do in the midterms, but emphasized that he is not personally running for office.
“I’m not running. I’ve already done that and I won in a landslide.”
Trump said the election would not affect his approach to Iran, adding that his primary concern was preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.
2. “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon”
Trump repeated one of his central messages on Iran, saying the US would not allow the country to acquire nuclear weapons.
“Since the first day I entered the political arena, I have been steadfast. I will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”
He described Iran as the “number one sponsor of terror” and said the country was no longer the dominant force it once was in the Middle East.
“They were the bullies of the Middle East, but they are no longer bullies.
3. Trump calls for the economic isolation of Iran
Trump called on countries around the world to join the US in putting economic pressure on Tehran.
“I call on all nations to join us in pushing for the complete economic isolation of Iran until it halts its attacks on commercial shipping, abandons its nuclear ambitions and ceases to support terror.”
Greater economic pressure could also lower oil prices, he said.
Trump also thanked the UN Security Council for passing a resolution condemning what he called Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.
“Now we have to be equally united in keeping the pressure.
Trump claimed that the U.S. Navy had recently moved more than 1 billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, saying that oil flows were higher than at any time since the war began.
4. Trump says he faces a “big decision” on Iran
Trump presented two possible paths for Iran – a negotiated settlement or continued military pressure.
“I have a big decision to make. Will there be a deal with Iran that will allow them to rebuild and create a much bigger country than ever before?”
He then raised the possibility of the destruction of the Islamic Republic of Iran if no agreement could be reached.
“Or do I wipe out the Islamic Republic and do it quickly and never give them another chance to kill and destroy people and countries?”
Trump said he believed a deal would eventually be reached.
“But I believe we will come to an agreement right after the election.”
5. Trump says the US is not running out of weapons
Responding to concerns about US military stockpiles, Trump rejected suggestions that America was running out of ammunition.
“We have more ammunition than we ever imagined we could use.
He said the US was producing weapons and ammunition at unprecedented levels and increasing its stockpiles.
“We’re restocking faster than we’ve ever been able to.”
Trump also said the US was building new munitions factories.
6. Trump says the Russia-Ukraine war will be resolved
Trump spoke briefly about Russia’s war in Ukraine, saying Washington was cooperating with both Moscow and Kiev.
“We are working very closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine and we will succeed.
He added: “I think it’s going to happen faster than people realize.”
In the speech, Trump did not provide a detailed timeline or outline how the conflict would be resolved.
Before entering the UN headquarters, Trump also directed a short message towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.
7. Trump Warns Cuba Will “Fall”
Trump has turned on Cuba, describing the country as a failed state and saying Washington wants fundamental change.
“It’s an absolutely broken state, it’s failing like never before and it’s going to fall.”
He said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is Cuban-American, is leading negotiations with Havana.
Trump also warned against foreign adversaries establishing a foothold near US territory.
“We will not allow a haven for foreign adversaries to threaten America on our own doorstep, right at our door.”
The Cuban delegation walked out of the UN General Assembly as Trump spoke.
8. Trump defends US actions in Venezuela
Trump presented US actions in Venezuela as an example of his administration’s approach to threats in the Western Hemisphere.
“Our actions in Venezuela are evidence that the United States will no longer allow threats against America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western Hemisphere.”
He added that Washington would use military force if necessary to protect what he described as vital American national interests.
“If necessary, we will use our unrivaled military power to secure the vital national interests of the United States.”
9. Trump claims the US has entered a “golden age”
Trump began his speech by highlighting what he described as the achievements of his second administration.
“We inherited the dark age of America from the previous administration and turned it into the golden age of America.”
He pointed to the economy, immigration and crime as areas where he said his administration has brought about change.
Trump also built his foreign policy on a contrast between talking peace and taking action.
“While others talked, I acted. While others talked peace, I made peace.”
10. Trump says the US has become stronger
Trump has argued that America’s military and economic power has strengthened under his administration.
“While others promised power, I used it to make America the most powerful country in the world.”
He said his administration faced threats rather than allowing them to grow.
“I have no interest in letting the danger grow for another day.
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