Trump: Must decide whether to make a deal with Iran or destroy it

US President Donald Trump told world leaders at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that he will have to make a decision regarding Iran's future.

Trump said he faces a choice: either reach an agreement with Iran or destroy the country. The remark, delivered during a high-level international forum, is regarded as one of the sharpest public statements the US leader has made about Iran recently.

Context

The US president's address to the UN General Assembly is traditionally used to set out Washington's position on major foreign policy issues before an audience of world leaders. In his speech, Trump framed the Iran issue as a direct choice between a diplomatic solution and confrontation.

It remains unclear when or in what form such a decision might be made, and no further details were given on what conditions might apply to a potential agreement with Iran. Trump also did not specify what steps the alternative scenario would involve.

The statement has drawn international attention, as it once again puts the future direction of US-Iran relations in focus — a relationship that has long been one of the most difficult issues in international politics.