September 22, 2026 | 10:32 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - US President Donald Trump said he would never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, defending the US war with Tehran during his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, September 22.
Trump said the United States had given Iran numerous opportunities to abandon its nuclear program and stop supporting militant groups across the region, but Tehran had refused.
“They were the bully of the Middle East, but they are the bully no more,” Trump said, as quoted by DW live report. “From the first day I entered the political arena, I've been unwavering. I will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump also referred to the September 11 attacks in the United States and the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, carried out by Hamas, which is backed by Iran.
“Just imagine such a vile regime was able to carry out terror attacks from behind a nuclear shield,” Trump said.
He said he faced a choice over whether to allow Iran to rebuild or to “annihilate” the country. Trump also said he believed the United States and Iran could reach a deal after the US midterm elections, suggesting Tehran was waiting to see how his Republican Party performs in the election.
“I believe we'll make a deal right after the mid term election in the US,” Trump said.
He added that he was not concerned about the timing, saying his focus remained on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“The only thing that enters my mind is that Iran doesn't have nuclear weapons,” Trump said.
Trump’s remarks came as world leaders gathered in New York for the opening of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, the UN’s main deliberative and policymaking body, which represents all 193 member states.
The high-level week runs from September 22 to 29, with the General Debate taking place from September 22 to 26 and on September 28. Heads of state, government and other senior representatives are scheduled to address the Assembly on issues ranging from peace and security to sustainable development.
DW reported that this year’s General Debate is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.” The agenda comes amid major international crises, including the wars involving Iran and Ukraine, as well as concerns over climate change and artificial intelligence.
The annual gathering also provides a venue for bilateral meetings among world leaders on the sidelines. Trump is scheduled to hold talks with several foreign leaders during his visit, while Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian is also attending the General Assembly.
The United States and Iran have signaled openness to renewed diplomatic discussions, although no meeting between Trump and Pezeshkian has been scheduled.
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