Trumps Tells U.N. He Is a Man of Peace, Threatens to Annihilate Iran

Trump defends U.S. interventions as peaceful efforts.

Trump’s Foreign-Policy Vision for the World

The Wall Street Journal reports Trump Threatens to Annihilate Iran as He Lays Out Foreign-Policy Vision at U.N.

President Trump labeled himself a man of peace while threatening to “annihilate” Iran and wield American power against other nations, in a speech at the United Nations aimed in part at selling skeptical voters on his foreign-policy vision ahead of the midterm elections.

During his roughly 35-minute address Tuesday to the U.N. General Assembly, Trump argued that his forceful interventions had made the world a safer place.

“While others have talked, I have acted,” he said. “While others have spoken of peace, I have made peace. While others have ignored threats, I have confronted them.”

In a demonstration of Trump’s split-screen views on matters of war and peace, the U.S. president said the choice he faces in Iran was either striking a deal over its nuclear program or a full-on bombing campaign.

“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?” Trump asked.

Trump said he saw two choices for the Iranians: make a deal or risk further conflict—“It’s greatness, potential greatness, or obliteration.”

In his speech, Trump renewed his call for regime change in Cuba, saying that the U.S. wouldn’t allow “a haven for foreign adversaries to threaten America on our own doorstep.” He accused Cuban leaders of propping up communists and political dissidents in the U.S. before declaring “communism will never be coming to America, but freedom will be coming to Cuba.”

As he spoke about Cuba, the country’s delegation filed out of the chamber.

Five Takeaways from Lies at the UN

The Journal notes Five Takeaways From Trump’s U.N. Speech

Iran choice is to ‘annihilate’ country or make post midterm deal.

“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?” he said.

“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?” he asked.

In his speech, Trump predicted a deal would happen after the U.S. midterm elections in November.

Trump insists oil prices will plummet

Trump also predicted that if the world stayed united, “oil prices will come plummeting down even lower than they were at the start of the conflict.”

Iran, Cuba delegates walk out

Members of the Iranian and Cuban delegations walked out of the main forum as Trump issued threats against their governments.

Trump rejects international regulation of AI

Trump said the U.S. “totally rejects” any “globalist scheme” to control artificial intelligence. “We’re going to encourage it, not rein it in,” he said.

The president’s comments were a rebuke to the growing international calls for stronger guardrails on AI at this week’s meetings.

Trump outlines plans for military bases in Greenland

Trump said an agreement with Denmark and Greenland, which he signed Tuesday, would give the U.S. “permanent control over security” on the island.

Trump said the U.S. would build “two very major military bases” as part of the deal.

The agreement would establish an American presence at Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland, a location where the U.S. previously operated a base during the Cold War, and Mestersvig on the island’s east coast. The U.S. already operates Pituffik Space Base there as well.

Trump said the agreement will prevent U.S. adversaries from establishing a military presence in Greenland or making inroads or “sensitive investments” without America’s approval.

Danish officials have described the deal differently, stressing it preserves Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination. The deal will also have to go through the country’s parliament before it can take effect.