Trump warns he could ‘annihilate’ Iran as he predicts deal after US midterms

The US president said he believes Tehran will agree a deal after November’s midterm elections but warned of further escalation

US president Donald Trump has threatened to “annihilate” Iran if a deal is not reached, while saying he believes an agreement can be secured after the US midterm elections.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Mr Trump said he faced a choice between pursuing a deal with Iran or destroying the Islamic Republic.

“I have a big decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before?” he said.

“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again. Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness or generations?” 

Mr Trump said he believed a deal would be reached after the US midterm elections, which are due to take place in November.

“I believe we'll make a deal right after the election because it doesn't make sense for them not to,” he said.

He again insisted that Iran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

“They were the bully of the Middle East, but they are the bully no more,” Mr Trump said.

He also called on other countries to join the US in imposing economic pressure on Tehran.

“I call on all nations to join us in enforcing the complete economic isolation of Iran until they stop their attacks on commercial shipping, relinquish their nuclear ambitions, and cease their support of terror.” 

The remarks came as the conflict between the US and Iran approaches seven months, with the war continuing to fuel concerns over regional instability and Iran's nuclear programme.

Dozens of demonstrators opposed to Iran's government also gathered outside the UN headquarters as Mr Trump spoke, with some holding signs calling for freedom and democracy and protesting against the Iranian government.