By Paul Joseph
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it could face what he described as the “annihilation” of the Islamic Republic if Tehran fails to reach a deal with Washington.
Trump made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing world leaders at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He said the United States was prepared to negotiate an agreement that would allow Iran to rebuild and develop into a stronger country, but warned that the alternative could be severe.
Trump also said he expected a deal with Iran could be reached after the US elections, arguing that it would not make sense for Tehran to reject negotiations.
Turning to the war in Ukraine, Trump said the conflict between Russia and Ukraine was approaching a negotiated end.
He said the United States was working closely with the leaders of both countries and expressed confidence that the conflict would be resolved “more quickly than people understand.”
However, the remarks came as Russia and Ukraine continue to exchange missile and drone attacks, with no comprehensive peace agreement announced.
Trump also used his UN address to speak about artificial intelligence, announcing what he described as a new name for the technology.
He said the term “artificial intelligence” made the technology sound fake and proposed calling it “super intelligence”, or “SI”.
“The use of the word artificial makes it sound fake,” Trump said, while acknowledging that the technology was powerful and that caution was necessary.
The US president also promoted his administration’s foreign policy initiatives, including its proposed 20-point Gaza peace plan and the Board of Peace.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres used his opening address to call for an end to conflicts and greater international cooperation.
Guterres urged world leaders to help de-escalate conflicts in the Middle East, calling for an end to fighting and increased humanitarian assistance.
He also renewed his call for Africa to receive permanent representation on the UN Security Council.
“A 21st Century Security Council without permanent African seats is unjust and indefensible,” Guterres told the gathering.
The 81st UN General Assembly has brought together heads of state and government from around the world for the annual high-level diplomatic gathering in New York.
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