Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran in UN speech, drawing war crime accusations

President Donald Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran during his Tuesday address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, prompting shock from journalists and observers who called the statement a potential war crime. Trump posed a rhetorical question about his unpopular war with Iran, asking whether a deal would be made or whether he should "annihilate the Islamic Republic, and do it quickly." He also suggested driving Iran "into hell with no chance of survival," remarks that New York Times reporters Farnaz Fassihi and David E. Sanger described as jarring and remarkable for a world leader at the UN podium. Trump has made similar threats before, but never so explicitly before the General Assembly. Dylan Williams of the Center for International Policy called it "conclusive evidence of the war crime of pillage," while progressive outlet MeidasTouch mocked the moment. Trump also referenced a military operation in Venezuela, saying "to the victor belong the spoils."