On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered his address before the United Nations General Assembly in New York. There, he warned that the United States might completely wipe out Iran’s leadership, but at the same time once again opened the door for a diplomatic solution.

In front of a packed UN hall, Trump described the situation as a crucial crossroads for the United States. According to the President, the choice is either to reach an agreement that gives Iran the chance to rebuild the country or to use American military power to once and for all eliminate the threat from the Iranian regime.

– Or should I destroy the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, without ever giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Should I send them to hell?

Despite the harsh language, Trump emphasized that the door to negotiations remains open. He said he believes a settlement with Iran may come after the U.S. elections in November.

The statements came amid signs that diplomatic contacts between the U.S. and Iran continue. After his speech, Trump told reporters that American officials had had a three-hour-long meeting with the Iranian delegation on the sidelines of the UN meeting. He described the conversation as “very productive.”

Trump devoted a large part of his speech to defending the American military operation against Iran. He claimed that the war had prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and used the conflict as an example of his idea that peace can be achieved by the U.S. demonstrating military strength.

The conflict has also had consequences, with an energy crisis reaching far beyond the Middle East. Among other things, it has contributed to rising oil prices and has become a politically difficult question for Trump, whose support has been affected by developments.

Ukraine war

The President also returned to the war in Ukraine and repeated his promise to bring an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. No peace agreement has yet been reached and the fighting continues on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine as well as with recurring missile and drone attacks targeting both sides.

– We are working very closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine and we will resolve that issue. I think it will happen faster than people realize.

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Trump stated that he will not accept threats establishing themselves anywhere in the Western Hemisphere and stressed that the U.S. could use its military power to defend what he said were vital national interests.

In addition to the UN General Assembly, Trump also signed an agreement with Denmark and Greenland, granting the U.S. expanded military access to the island. At the same time, the agreement confirms Greenland’s status as a self-governing territory within the Danish realm.

Watch the speech here: