Trump says he expects Iran deal after US midterm elections

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects to reach a deal with Iran after the US midterm elections, warning that he faces a “big decision” on whether to pursue an agreement or destroy that country.

“I have a big decision to make: Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before? Maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world, or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?” Trump said in an address to the UN General Assembly in New York.

Trump said he believes “we’ll make a deal right after the election,” arguing that Tehran is waiting to see how Republicans perform in the midterm elections in November.

“What they don't realize is that I'm not running. I did that already and won in a landslide,” he said, adding that he would remain in office for two and a half years and help the Republican Party in the elections.

“I gave absolutely no credence and will not give credence to the election when it comes to Iran. It doesn't even enter my mind. The only thing that does is that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” he said.

Trump said he opened negotiations with Iran after taking office and offered “full economic cooperation” in exchange for an end to Tehran’s nuclear program and support for terrorism. He claimed that Tehran rejected the proposal.

He again claimed that the US “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program “beneath mountains of rubble.”

“After giving Iran every chance for a deal, I took action to ensure that neither the United States nor any nation at all would ever have to face such a nightmare,” he said.

Trump claimed that all 159 Iranian naval vessels have been destroyed, along with Tehran’s air force, radar and air defense systems. Its missile and drone manufacturing capacity was “almost gone,” he said.

He also claimed that Iran’s economy had been devastated and that inflation was “well over 300%.”

Trump further accused Iran of violating a ceasefire agreed for nuclear discussions by carrying out attacks against civilian ships from other countries transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

He also rejected claims that the US is running low on munitions, saying Washington has more munitions than it could “ever possibly even think of using,” and is expanding its stockpiles at unprecedented levels.

​​​​​​​The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28, which Tehran says killed thousands of people. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route for energy supplies.

The war has since expanded across the region, with diplomatic efforts continuing to end the hostilities.