Trump slams Iran and Cuba, boasts about record in United Nations speech
The U.S. "will no longer permit threats to America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western Hemisphere," Trump told the UN leaders.
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President Donald Trump on Tuesday focused on a wide range of threats the U.S. faces from abroad during an address to the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan.
Trump defended his decision to launch a war against Iran, accusing the Islamic Republic of seeking to erect a defensive missile arsenal before making a "mad dash to a nuclear bomb."
As the war approaches its eighth month with no clear end in sight, Trump said he is poised to make a "big decision" on whether to make a deal or quickly "annihilate" the country.
He then predicted once again that a deal will be made "right after" the Nov. 3 midterm elections, claiming "it doesn't make sense for them not to."
"They're waiting to see how I do in the midterm election," he said. "What they don't realize is that I'm not running."
"I gave absolutely no credence and will not give credence to the election when it comes to Iran. It doesn't even enter my mind. The only thing that does is that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon," Trump said.
He also touted a to-be-signed military deal with Greenland and Denmark, saying it gives the U.S. "the complete ability to do what is necessary to defend the American continent, and also Europe and other places."
Trump called Cuba an "absolutely failed state" and accused it of "coordinating with left-wing radicals and Communist networks" in the U.S.
"Communism will never be coming to America, but freedom will be coming to Cuba," Trump told the assembled leaders. He said Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in negotiations with the island nation.
As he spoke, the Cuban delegation stood up and left the hall.
"The United States will no longer permit threats to America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western Hemisphere," Trump said, pointing to his administration's intervention in Venezuela this year as proof.
"And if necessary, we will use our unmatched military might to secure the vital national interests of the United States," he said.
This is developing news. Please check back for updates.
