President Trump says US, Iran met for 3 hours after he threatened to ‘annihilate’ Iran
WASHINGTON —
President Donald Trump said U.S. and Iranian officials held a “very good meeting” in New York on Tuesday, following his speech at the United Nations and amid a seven-month conflict between the two nations.
“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic? And do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness or generations? But I believe we’ll make a deal. Right after the election,” Trump said during his UN address.
Most of Iran’s delegation walked out during the president’s remarks. Hours later, representatives from both nations met for three hours. Iran’s delegation arrived in New York with the authority to negotiate, but neither side has disclosed what was discussed or whether any agreements were reached.
Publicly, Trump has stated that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon and has demanded the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing conflict has driven oil prices to nearly $100 per barrel, with Americans facing higher gas and record diesel prices.
“Oil prices will come plummeting down even lower than they were at the start of the conflict,” Trump said, expressing optimism about the potential economic impact of ending the war.
The president’s trip has not received typical media coverage, as major networks suspended White House pool coverage after CNN, MSNBC, and Politico were barred from the White House. The three outlets are suing, and a federal judge is set to address the case tomorrow.
In other developments, Trump signed an agreement expanding the U.S. military presence in Greenland. The deal allows for the construction of two additional military bases and part of the president’s Golden Dome missile defense system, though Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The president also had strong words for Cuba, predicting the fall of its government. He called Cuba a “failed state” and said, “Freedom will be coming.” The Cuban delegation walked out during his remarks, but no new agreements regarding Cuba were announced. Trump signaled his administration’s intent to maintain pressure on the Cuban government.