Trump: A choice must be made between a deal with Iran and its destruction

US President Donald Trump delivered a pointed message about Iran at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, stating he will soon have to make a decisive choice about the country's future.

Trump said he must decide whether to support an agreement that would allow Iran to rebuild and become one of the most powerful nations in the Middle East or even the world, or instead act to end the Islamic Republic's existence in order to prevent further threats to other nations and people.

Hope for a deal after the elections

Despite the sharp rhetoric, Trump reiterated his belief that a deal with Iran is achievable before the US Congress midterm elections in November. He said an agreement would most likely be reached right after the elections, since Iran would have no reason to delay it further.

Trump noted that the midterms carry weight because his Republican Party could lose control of Congress, partly due to voter dissatisfaction with fuel prices that have risen because of the war with Iran.

Trump also said he believes Iran is waiting to see the outcome of the midterm elections, but stressed that he himself will not be running again, having already won by a large margin and currently serving as president.