Trump tells UN America is stronger than ever, says Iran will not be allowed to pursue nuclear weapons

New York (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, launching a strong attack on Iran. He accused the Iranian government of supporting terrorism and contributing to instability in the Middle East. Trump said the United States would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

Trump said it was an honour to address the UN General Assembly and claimed that the United States is now stronger than ever. He highlighted the country’s economy, military capabilities and technological strength. Trump also claimed that while other countries had continued talking about peace, his administration had taken steps to bring an end to several conflicts.

Targeting Iran

Speaking about Iran, Trump said the country’s government had promoted violence and instability for decades. He accused Iran of contributing to violence and destruction in the Middle East and beyond.

Trump said Iran was no longer in a position to exert influence in the region in the same way as before. He reiterated that since taking office, his position had been clear that Iran would not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

He called on countries to join the United States in imposing what he described as “complete economic isolation” on Iran. Trump said Iran should remain isolated until it stops attacks on commercial vessels, abandons its nuclear ambitions and ends its support for terrorism.

Trump also described the Iranian government as weakened and desperate.

Again refers to India-Pakistan conflict

The US president again claimed that he had played a role in ending eight conflicts, including the India-Pakistan conflict. He said his personal relationships, trade ties, tariffs and the threat of imposing tariffs had played an important role in bringing the agreements together.

Trump also referred to Gaza and Ukraine. He claimed that the United States had helped bring the Gaza war to an end and had secured the return of all hostages, dead or alive. On Ukraine, he said the war could also end more quickly than people expected.

Trump had made similar claims about helping end multiple conflicts during his previous UN address, including the India-Pakistan conflict.

Signs of possible talks with Iran

Amid Trump’s speech, there were also indications of a possible diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that Washington was open to meeting Iranian officials on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, although no meeting had been scheduled at that point.

Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are both in New York for the UN General Assembly. Reuters reported that the possibility of renewed diplomatic talks between the two countries remains open, although tensions between Washington and Tehran continue.