US President Donald Trump called on countries to impose what he described as “complete economic isolation” on Iran during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Trump said international pressure could help lower global energy prices and repeated his warning that he could take further military action against Iran if a deal is not reached.
“I have a big decision to make,” Trump said, presenting a choice between an agreement that would allow Iran to rebuild and what he described as annihilating the Islamic Republic. Reuters also reported that Trump said preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remained central to his decision-making.
The comments came as the conflict involving Iran continued to affect energy markets. Trump argued that international cooperation against Tehran could help bring oil prices down, while Iran’s role in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained a major concern for global energy supplies.
Trump also used the speech to defend his administration’s approach to artificial intelligence. He rejected calls to restrict its development and said the technology should be treated as “superintelligence” rather than artificial intelligence.
On Greenland, Trump announced that the United States would establish two new military bases under an agreement involving Denmark and Greenland. Reuters reported that the agreement expands the US military presence on the territory while addressing concerns about other countries establishing a military presence there.
Trump also criticised the International Criminal Court, defended US actions involving Venezuela and said he remained focused on efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
The address follows an earlier Australia By Aussie report on Trump’s previous UN remarks, including his focus on Iran, artificial intelligence and US foreign policy: Trump’s UN speech focuses on Iran, AI and US power.
Trump’s latest comments put Iran, energy security, artificial intelligence and the expanded US military presence in Greenland among the main issues raised in his UN address.
