Trump says US could ‘annihilate’ Iran but expects deal after midterm elections

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he faces a “big decision” over whether to pursue a deal with Iran or “annihilate” the Islamic Republic as the conflict with Tehran continues.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Trump questioned whether Iran would agree to a deal that would allow it to rebuild and become “one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world”, or whether the US should “annihilate the Islamic Republic” and do so quickly.

Trump then said he expects the US and Iran to reach a deal after the US midterm elections on November 3.

“I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election because it doesn’t make sense for them not to. They’re waiting to see how I do in the midterm election,” he said.

Trump's remarks came days after he told Axios that he was approaching a crossroads over whether to restart massive attacks against Iran.

During his UN speech, the Iranian delegation walked out while Trump was discussing the past six months of US military strikes against Tehran. Only one member of the delegation remained seated.

Trump defended the ongoing conflict, which has caused widespread economic disruption after Tehran blocked the Strait of Hormuz. He reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“I have no interest in leaving dangers to grow for another day. I do not believe in letting problems fester,” Trump said.

Trump also rejected claims that the US was running low on ammunition. He said the US had more munitions than it could possibly use and was expanding its stockpiles faster than ever before. He added that 18 massive munitions plants are currently under construction.