Iran has hit back at US President Donald Trump's threat to "annihilate" the Islamic Republic, accusing Washington of showing strategic desperation rather than strength as tensions between the two countries remain high.
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In a statement issued after Trump's address to the United Nations General Assembly, Iran's Armed Forces said the US president's repeated threats were aimed more at domestic political messaging than reflecting the situation on the ground.
The statement was issued by the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and the Khatam al-Anbya Central Headquarters, according to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency.
Iran calls Trump's threat 'strategic desperation'
Iranian military authorities said Trump's remarks showed the difficulties facing the US in its confrontation with Iran. They argued that repeated threats were not evidence of American strength, but reflected what they described as exhaustion within the US military.
The statement also accused the US of creating instability in West Asia through its military presence in the region.
Iran, it said, had instead acted as a stabilising force for regional security and international trade. It accused Washington of trying to compensate for what it described as repeated failures against Iran and the Resistance Front.
The Iranian military further said Trump's words would not change the balance of power or reverse what it described as US setbacks in the conflict.
Pezeshkian takes Iran's message to UN
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New York on Tuesday for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
Before leaving for the US, Pezeshkian said Iran would use international forums to present its position on the conflict and its dealings with Western powers.
“We will forcefully raise Iran's positions in international forums. The issues we will raise at the United Nations are expressing the oppressed state of the Iranian nation, the crimes that have occurred, and the distrust that has been created. We went to the negotiating table several times and signed agreements, but unfortunately, the whole world saw how commitments were not fulfilled and the writings were trampled underfoot," he said en-route to the US.
The Iranian Armed Forces said Pezeshkian's UN address would also convey what it described as the strength and resilience of the Iranian people.
Trump presents Iran with choice
Trump had used his UNGA speech to issue a direct warning to Tehran, saying Iran faced a choice between reaching a deal and facing further US military action.
“I have a big decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before? Maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world. Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic, and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? But I believe we'll make a deal right after the election, because it doesn't make sense for them not to,” Trump said.
The exchange comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both sides using increasingly forceful language as diplomatic efforts over the conflict remain under pressure.
