UNITED NATIONS — U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that it could face destruction if no agreement is reached to end the nearly seven-month war, while suggesting that a diplomatic breakthrough may be possible.
Speaking before the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump said he faced a major decision on whether to pursue a deal or take more aggressive action against Iran.
“Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before?... Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?”
Iran’s Armed Forces dismissed Trump’s remarks as “propaganda” and said the country was prepared to deliver what it called more severe and unpredictable blows against its adversaries.
Despite the harsh rhetoric, diplomatic efforts continued on the sidelines of the U.N. meetings.
Trump said his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, held a productive meeting with Iranian mediators.
“I think there's a lot of momentum for them to make a deal,” Trump said.
Trump also met with leaders from Middle Eastern countries seeking to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway previously carried about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the conflict disrupted trade.
The Gulf states are also wary of strengthening Iran’s influence, while several host major U.S. military bases that have come under repeated Iranian attacks.
Trump said a possible agreement could come after the November 3 midterm elections, or even sooner.
“We think that the situation with Iran could end right after the (November 3) midterm elections, maybe before. I don't know. You never know,” Trump said.
The diplomatic push comes as Trump faces rising energy costs in the United States, an expanding regional conflict and elections that could affect his political standing.
The outcome of the talks could have major consequences for global oil markets, Gulf security and millions of Iranians.
IRAN OFFERS POSSIBLE STRAIT REOPENING
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, whose government has been working to reduce tensions.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington eased military pressure and lifted its blockade on Iranian ports.
The official said Iran had already sent its latest proposal to the United States through intermediaries.
But Iranian officials continued to reject any suggestion of surrender.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who previously led Iran’s negotiating team, said Tehran would not give in to U.S. pressure.
“Trump must understand that he cannot impose his power on the Iranian people and its armed forces,” Qalibaf said.
GULF SECURITY TALKS
Gulf leaders and Trump also discussed a Qatari proposal for a regional security framework involving Iran and the Arab Gulf states.
The plan could include security guarantees for Gulf countries and closer economic ties with Iran. Regional sources said Tehran was reviewing the proposal.
Saudi Arabia has become more involved in the conflict after Iran-aligned Houthi fighters made gains in Yemen and threatened Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea.
The United States has so far resisted calls from Riyadh to resume military operations against the Houthis. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would continue to support Saudi Arabia but described the conflict as dangerous and complex.
“That said, that is a very dangerous and complex conflict that pre-exists ... We have a history with the Houthis as well, and that's something we don't want to see impacted either,” Rubio said.
OIL SUPPLIES SHOW SIGNS OF RELIEF
Oil markets received some relief after Saudi Arabia reportedly resumed operations at its East-West Pipeline.
The pipeline provides a route for Saudi exports that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. Sources said shipments from the Red Sea port of Yanbu could resume within hours, although at reduced volumes.
The pipeline had been shut down after attacks earlier this month that Saudi Arabia blamed on Iran-backed groups in Iraq.
