Trump Sees Path to Iran Deal after Midterms, Calls for Tehran’s Economic Isolation
US president says Tehran may be waiting for November midterm results; vows Iran will not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons
NEW YORK: US President Donald Trump has said he believes the United States could reach a deal with Iran shortly after the November midterm elections, while reiterating that Washington will not allow Tehran to acquire a nuclear weapon.
Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump said Iran was likely waiting to see the outcome of the US midterm elections before deciding on its next steps.
“I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election because it doesn’t make sense for them not to,” Trump said, referring to the November midterm elections.
The US president said he faced a major decision over whether to pursue a diplomatic settlement with Iran or take further military action against the country.
“I have a big decision to make,” Trump said, asking whether an agreement could allow Iran to rebuild and become a stronger country, or whether the United States should take more aggressive action against the Islamic Republic.
Trump once again warned that Iran would not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. He also called on countries around the world to support US efforts to increase 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,” he said.
Trump described Iran as having previously been a major force in the Middle East but said its influence had been significantly reduced.
The US president’s remarks come amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and attacks affecting commercial shipping.
At the beginning of his UN address, Trump highlighted what he described as the achievements of his second presidential term, particularly in the areas of the economy, immigration and crime.
“We inherited a dark age of America from the previous administration, and we turned it into the golden age of America,” Trump said.
He added that the United States was “back” and claimed that the country was stronger than ever under his administration.
