United States President Donald Trump has warned that Iran will not be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon, while threatening severe military action if Tehran does not agree to a peace arrangement.
Trump made the remarks during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
“From the first day I entered the political arena, I’ve been unwavering; I will never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, according to the White House’s published account of the speech.
Reuters reported that Trump warned he could “annihilate” Iran if a peace deal was not reached. During the address, the US President defended American foreign policy actions and the military campaign involving Israel and Iran.
The remarks came amid continuing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict and the dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme. Reports indicated that Arab countries were seeking to facilitate a possible meeting between US and Iranian officials during the UN General Assembly.
The threat of further military action adds to international concerns about escalation in the Middle East and the potential consequences for regional security, energy markets and civilian populations.
Trump’s remarks represent the position of the US administration. They do not, by themselves, establish that a peace agreement has been rejected by Iran or that a specific future military action has been authorised.
The White House said the President reiterated his opposition to Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon. The wider diplomatic situation remains subject to negotiations, statements by the parties and developments on the ground.