Trump told the assembly that a ‘big decision’ lay ahead regarding Iran, framing the options as either a comprehensive deal that could ‘rebuild’ the country or a swift military strike that would ‘annihilate’ the regime.
He praised the Security Council’s resolution condemning Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping, calling it the most co‑sponsored resolution ever and thanking members for the overwhelming vote.
The president also invoked the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the Oct. 7, 2023 assault on Israel, accusing Iran’s Supreme Leader of celebrating the latter and noting that the regime killed more than 72,000 of its own citizens in 2023.
Trump warned that Iran could become a ‘nuclear shield’ for terror operations, insisting the U.S. would not allow Tehran to acquire a weapon of mass destruction.
His remarks, delivered amid criticism of his foreign‑policy record, came after the U.S. has repeatedly called for continued pressure on Tehran, including sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
The president left the assembly with a promise to decide on the Iran strategy before the U.S. mid‑term elections, while the Security Council resolution remains in effect and international pressure is expected to intensify.