President Donald Trump delivered a forceful address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, threatening Iran with "annihilation" if it refuses to negotiate a deal and framing the United States as the conqueror of Venezuela. The speech marked the start of a busy diplomatic day that included high-stakes negotiations with Iran, the finalization of a security agreement regarding Greenland, and controversial remarks on artificial intelligence and domestic fuel policy.
In his address, Trump outlined a stark choice for Tehran: agree to dismantle its nuclear program in exchange for U.S. investment, or face military destruction. "Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness for generations?" Trump asked the assembly. He dismissed the idea that his negotiating position might be weakened by the upcoming November midterms, stating, "I gave absolutely no credence and will not give credence to the election when it comes to Iran." Following the speech, U.S. officials, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, held a three-hour meeting with the Iranian delegation, though Iranian officials have not yet confirmed the talks took place.
Also on Tuesday, the United States, Denmark, and Greenland signed a new security agreement that resolves a months-long standoff over the Arctic island. The deal permits Washington to build two new military bases in Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig and allows for the expansion of activities at the existing Pituffik Space Base. The agreement aims to limit economic influence from China and Russia in the region. "You go back way back in the line of presidents, and almost every president at least mentioned it," Trump said. "But most of them just mentioned it... But we’re getting it done."
The president also attempted to rebrand artificial intelligence as "super intelligence" in U.S. documents, arguing that the term "artificial" makes the technology "sound fake." "In other words, welcome to the new world of super intelligence — SI," Trump stated. "Let’s see if that goes. It sounds much better. It is much better, and it’s much more accurate." While acknowledging the need for caution, Trump largely dismissed calls for global cooperation on regulating the technology, which is already defined as a form of AI that exceeds human intelligence.
Tensions surrounding media relations also dominated the day, as Trump faced questions regarding his administration's ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The White House TV pool had boycotted the trip in solidarity with the banned outlets. Trump predicted that U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, whom he nominated during his first term, would "probably" rule in favor of the media companies after they sued the administration on Monday. When confronted by CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins at the U.N. entrance, Trump remarked, "You should not be here covering me. You said you weren’t going to be covering me."
Finally, Trump indicated support for a potential ban on diesel exports, citing soaring fuel costs linked to the U.S. war with Iran and the disruption of energy routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. "I've said let's not send out the diesel," the president told reporters, suggesting a decision could be made "fast." These remarks highlight the political pressure facing the administration, as Trump’s approval rating hit an all-time low of 32 percent in a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey, amid growing concerns over the cost of living and the ongoing conflict.
<small>Source: Yahoo News — read the original story there.</small>
