US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Iran to make a deal after the US midterm election. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump described his options for dealing with Tehran.
“I have a big decision to make,” Trump said. He outlined a deal or military action against Iran. Trump said a deal could allow Iran to rebuild and become a “far greater country” than before.
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He also threatened to “annihilate the Islamic republic” if negotiations fail. “But I believe we’ll make a deal after the election,” Trump said. He said Tehran was waiting to “see how I do” in the election.
Trump urges global pressure on Iran
Trump also urged countries to join Washington’s economic pressure campaign against Tehran. He called for continued pressure until Iran stops attacks on commercial shipping.
He also demanded that Tehran abandon its nuclear ambitions and end support for what he called terrorism. Trump made the remarks during his address to world leaders at the UN General Assembly.
The speech came as Washington and Tehran signaled possible renewed diplomatic engagement. Reuters reported that Iranian officials have expressed readiness for negotiations in New York.
Trump rejects claims of US ammunition shortages
Trump also rejected reports that US military ammunition stocks have fallen to dangerously low levels. “It’s not true,” Trump said when asked about claims of depleted US munitions. “We have more munitions than we could ever possibly even think of using,” he told world leaders.
Recent reporting has documented pressure on some US ammunition and missile-defense stockpiles during the Iran conflict. Reuters has also reported efforts to accelerate production of advanced missiles.
Trump said the United States is producing munitions at unprecedented levels. “We are adding to our stockpiles faster than we have ever been able to do before,” he said.
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He added that the United States is building new munitions plants to expand production. Trump repeated the argument in a social media post earlier Tuesday. He called claims of US ammunition shortages false.