U.S. President Donald Trump tells the United Nations General Assembly that he is considering whether to pursue a peace deal with Iran or instead “annihilate” the Islamic Republic and “drive them into hell.” He frames the choice as one between allowing Iran to rebuild or destroying it quickly, saying he sees “no chance of survival” and “no hope of future greatness or generations” if no agreement is reached.

Trump also says he expects a deal after the U.S. midterm elections, arguing Iran is waiting to see his performance. Iranian officials and commentators respond to the heightened rhetoric, with Iranian Revolutionary Guard-linked messaging warning that any renewed aggression would change “weapons and geography of the war.” The reports also situate the remarks in the context of an Iran-related conflict that has been ongoing since February, alongside broader economic and security impacts described by outlets, including disruptions tied to shipping and the Strait of Hormuz.

While all accounts focus on Trump’s UN speech and the threat language, they differ in emphasis: some foreground the incendiary wording (“drive into hell”); others highlight his stated expectation of negotiations after midterms or add details about U.S. claims on military and shipping operations.