Trump Warns Of Iran “Annihilation” As UN Diplomacy Continues Behind Closed Doors

US President Donald Trump told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that he faces a major choice on Iran, framing the options as either a negotiated deal or full-scale destruction of the Islamic Republic if fighting continues. He suggested a resolution could still come together soon even as he raised the possibility of harsher military action.

Tehran Pushes Back On Rhetoric

Iran’s Armed Forces dismissed the remarks as propaganda, stating the country stands fully prepared to deliver stronger retaliatory strikes against what it called the aggressors. The exchange came against the backdrop of a war now stretching nearly seven months, which began with combined US and Israeli military strikes and has since caused thousands of deaths while pushing oil prices higher.

Gulf Leaders Seek Reopened Shipping Routes

Trump also held meetings with Middle Eastern leaders eager to restore normal shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a passage that historically carried roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports before the conflict disrupted it. These leaders remain cautious about granting Iran, their regional rival, expanded influence, even as many host major American military installations that have faced repeated attacks during the war.

Possible Timeline Tied To Elections

Trump indicated the situation could potentially resolve around the time of the November midterm elections, though he stopped short of offering a firm timeline.

Strait Of Hormuz Could Reopen Quickly

A senior Iranian official indicated Tehran might reopen the Strait of Hormuz to Gulf shipping within roughly a week if the United States eased military pressure and lifted restrictions on Iranian ports. Iran has reportedly already shared a formal proposal with Washington through intermediaries.

Yemen Conflict Adds Pressure On Saudi Arabia

The broader regional conflict has widened further as Iran-backed Houthi forces have gained ground in Yemen, pushing back Saudi-supported troops and threatening Saudi oil shipments through the Red Sea. Washington has so far declined repeated requests from Saudi leadership to rejoin military operations against the Houthis, though US officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia despite the complexity of that ongoing conflict.

Saudi Arabia has meanwhile restarted operations at a key pipeline bypassing the strait, allowing limited oil exports to resume from a Red Sea port at reduced capacity.