US President Donald Trump escalated his warnings to Iran during his address at the United Nations, declaring that the United States has the capability to destroy Iran if a deal cannot be reached. He also suggested that Tehran is likely to be more open to negotiations following the upcoming congressional elections in November.
Speaking on September 22 at the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump’s remarks came amid persistent tensions between the US and Iran, alongside fresh indications that diplomatic talks could resume.
Trump: Iran Faces a Choice Between Agreement and Further Escalation
In his speech, Trump framed the situation as a clear choice for Iran: pursue a diplomatic agreement or face continued military pressure from the United States.
He stated that the US has the military strength to destroy Iran if necessary. This follows previous warnings he has made to Tehran in recent months.
Aktualizovane.sk reported in July that Trump had already threatened Iran with “total destruction” in the event of an assassination attempt against him.
This time, however, the threat was directly tied to the broader issue of reaching an agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Deal Anticipated After November Elections
Trump also expressed confidence that following the US congressional elections scheduled for November 3, there could be an opportunity for a new agreement.
According to Trump, Iran could show greater willingness to negotiate once the elections have taken place.
The US president did not present a specific deal or lay out detailed terms that Tehran would need to meet.
However, Washington has consistently emphasized that a primary demand is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Nuclear Program Remains the Central Issue
Trump reiterated in his address that American military actions have prevented Iran from moving closer to developing a nuclear weapon.
The United States is calling for stringent limitations on Iran’s nuclear program and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance.
Iran insists that its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes and denies accusations of seeking to build a nuclear bomb.
Relations between Washington and Tehran have experienced several sharp turns in 2026. In June, the US temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil to encourage talks with Tehran.
Trump Calls for Economic Isolation of Iran
The US president urged other countries to increase economic pressure on Iran.
Washington’s goal is to push Tehran into negotiations and reduce its ability to fund military and nuclear activities.
Such measures would further impact Iran’s energy sector, trade relationships, and access to international financial markets.
The global market remains especially sensitive to these developments due to Iran’s significance in the energy sector and its strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Signals Willingness to Negotiate
Trump’s statements come as the Iranian side also indicates that diplomatic talks are not entirely off the table.
Iranian officials in New York have reportedly been given a mandate to negotiate, and Tehran has already presented its own proposals to the US through intermediaries.
Iran has also shown readiness to discuss reopening access to the Strait of Hormuz, provided Washington eases military pressure and other measures.
However, a direct meeting between Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has not yet been confirmed.
Growing Pressure in the US to End the Conflict
The conflict with Iran has also become a major domestic political issue in the United States.
Some American lawmakers are calling for a quicker end to military operations and a greater role for Congress in any further decisions regarding the conflict.
Aktualizovane.sk has previously reported that the US Senate passed a resolution requiring an end to military operations against Iran without explicit congressional authorization.
The upcoming November elections may therefore influence not only US domestic politics, but also Washington’s approach to Iran moving forward.
UN Serves as Platform for Both Tough Messages and Potential Diplomacy
Trump’s speech highlighted the dual strategy of the US administration.
On one hand, the president issued a strong military warning and called for continued economic pressure.
On the other, he openly said he expects a future deal.
This combination of military intimidation and openness to negotiation is likely to shape US-Iran relations in the weeks to come.
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However, until a concrete framework for talks is agreed, the situation remains uncertain. Trump made clear that Washington will continue to apply pressure on Tehran until it is assured that Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon.
This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
