Trump Warns Iran Of ‘Annihilation’, Says Ukraine War Nearing End

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it faces “annihilation” if it fails to reach a deal with Washington, while claiming that an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine is closer than many people realise.

Trump made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing world leaders at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where nearly 130 heads of state and government are attending the annual high-level meeting.

Speaking on Iran, Trump said he faced a “big decision” over whether to pursue an agreement that would allow the Islamic Republic to rebuild its economy and become “a far greater country than it ever was before.”

He, however, warned that the alternative could be devastating for Tehran.

Trump said he could “annihilate the Islamic Republic” and “never give them a chance to destroy people and countries again”.

“I believe we will make a deal right after the election because it doesn’t make sense for them not to,” he said.

The US president’s comments came amid continuing diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear programme and tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Trump also addressed the war in Ukraine, saying the United States is working closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to end the conflict.

He expressed optimism that a negotiated settlement could be reached soon.

“The US is working closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine,” Trump said, adding, “we will get that done, more quickly than people understand”.

He said both sides had “had it”, suggesting that the prolonged conflict had reached a point where a negotiated end was approaching.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the war could be brought to an end through negotiations, as Washington continues diplomatic engagements surrounding the conflict.

In another major part of his address, Trump proposed a new name for artificial intelligence, saying the technology should instead be referred to as “Super Intelligence”.

Trump said the term “artificial” could give the impression that the technology is fake.

“The use of the word artificial makes it sound fake,” he said.

“It’s not fake, it’s actually amazing. But we have to be careful,” he added.

“Welcome to the new world of super intelligence – SI,” Trump declared.

Trump has previously described artificial intelligence as a strategically important technology, arguing that countries that lead in AI will have a major advantage.

His comments at the UN came as governments and technology companies continue to debate the development, regulation and potential risks of artificial intelligence.

Trump also expressed gratitude to the United Nations Security Council for what he described as its unanimous support for the US-backed “20-point Gaza peace plan” and the approval of the “Board of Peace”.

He said nearly 30 countries had joined the board and thanked member nations for contributing millions of dollars in relief.

Trump’s address touched on several of the issues dominating this year’s gathering, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, tensions with Iran and the rapid development of artificial intelligence.