Trump warns Iran of 'annihilation' without peace deal in UN speech

President Donald Trump warned in his UN General Assembly speech on Tuesday that he could "annihilate" Iran if no peace deal is reached, while predicting an agreement would follow the November 3 US midterm elections. He urged other nations to join America in economically isolating Tehran. Trump defended the February US-Israeli strikes against Iran, citing Tehran's nuclear program and support for regional proxies, though Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. He stated, "I believe we'll make a deal right after the election," as anti-Iranian government demonstrators gathered outside UN headquarters. The speech preceded meetings with over a dozen world leaders, including Gulf states alarmed by Houthi advances. The war has driven up fuel prices and dropped Trump's approval rating to 32 percent, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.