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US President Donald Trump has presented Iran with two options — reach a deal with Washington or face further military action — during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.
Trump said the United States could either pursue an agreement that would allow Iran to rebuild its economy or take further action against the Islamic Republic.
He also called on other countries to join Washington in economically isolating Tehran to pressure it into negotiations.
“I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election,” Trump said, referring to the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3.
Trump reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and defended the US-Israeli military campaign against Tehran, saying it had prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts to revive US-Iran talks have gained momentum on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Iranian officials have indicated that Tehran is prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington eases military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was open to talks with Iranian officials if they could lead to a positive outcome.
Trump has also left open the possibility of meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York, although Iranian officials have said there are currently no plans for a direct meeting between the two leaders.
