US President Donald Trump has warned that he could “annihilate” Iran if Tehran fails to reach a deal to end the war, while suggesting an agreement could still be within reach amid renewed diplomatic efforts at the United Nations.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Trump said he faced a major decision over whether to pursue a deal that would allow Iran to rebuild or take further military action.
“I have a big decision to make,” he said, before raising the possibility of “annihilating” the Islamic Republic.
Iran’s Armed Forces dismissed Trump’s remarks as “propaganda”, warning that they remained prepared to respond with what they described as more severe and unpredictable attacks against aggressors.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, diplomatic efforts continued in New York. US special envoy Steve Witkoff said American and Iranian representatives held lengthy discussions through mediators on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also met Witkoff, with Tehran conveying conditions for reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media.
A senior Iranian official separately told Reuters that Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington eased military pressure and lifted its blockade on Iranian ports.
The strait is a crucial global energy route, with traffic having fallen sharply during the conflict. Before the war, around 125 large commercial vessels crossed the waterway each day, according to shipping data.
Trump also met leaders from Gulf countries, who are seeking to restore shipping through the strait while navigating their security concerns and relations with Iran.
He said the conflict could potentially end after the US midterm elections on November 3, or even earlier, although he did not provide a firm timeline.
The conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes nearly seven months ago, has killed thousands, disrupted energy supplies and drawn neighbouring countries deeper into the crisis.
Meanwhile, Qatar has continued efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran, with Araqchi meeting Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in New York.
There was also some relief for oil markets after Saudi Arabia restarted its East-West oil pipeline, potentially allowing exports from the Red Sea port of Yanbu to resume at reduced volumes. The pipeline had been shut following attacks that Riyadh blamed on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq.
The latest diplomatic moves come as Washington faces pressure over rising energy costs and the wider regional conflict, while any agreement or further escalation could have major consequences for global oil markets and Gulf security.
