Trump made the remarks on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, while defending the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran and arguing that the conflict was aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The president presented the choice as one between reaching an agreement with Iran or taking further military action against the Islamic Republic.
Trump says Iran faces a choice
Addressing world leaders, Trump said he had a major decision to make over whether the United States should pursue a deal with Iran.
He said such an agreement could allow Iran to rebuild while preventing further conflict.
Trump then issued a stark warning, saying he could instead “annihilate” the Islamic Republic.
He also questioned whether the United States should continue military action until Iran has no ability to threaten other countries.
Trump defends US military campaign
The US president used much of his speech to defend his administration’s foreign-policy record.
Trump said the United States had confronted threats that previous administrations had failed to address.
He also claimed that Washington’s military action had prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Reuters reported that Trump used the speech to defend the US-Israeli campaign against Iran and called for other countries to economically isolate Tehran.
Trump said he expected Iran to reach an agreement with the United States after the November midterm elections.
Attack on International Criminal Court
Trump also renewed his criticism of the International Criminal Court (ICC) during the UN address.
He called on countries that are members of the court to withdraw, arguing that the institution could expose US military personnel to what he described as unfair proceedings.
Reuters reported that Trump characterized the ICC as an institution acting against US interests and urged its member states to resign.
The remarks represent another public challenge by the US president to the authority of an international judicial institution.
Iran conflict remains unresolved
Trump’s comments came as diplomatic activity around the Iran conflict continued.
Iran has indicated that it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the United States reduces military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports, according to Reuters.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said Washington remained open to discussions with Iranian representatives at the United Nations, although no meeting had been scheduled at the time of his remarks.
Trump’s UN speech therefore combined threats of further military action with a stated expectation that a negotiated settlement could eventually be reached.
