Iran Warns of 'Crushing Blows' to US After Trump's 'Annihilation' Threat

Iran has rejected President Donald Trump's threat to 'annihilate' the country as mere propaganda, warning that any U.S. attack could result in 'crushing blows' against America. The warning came after Trump, in a speech before the United Nations, stated he faced a decision between making a deal with Iran or 'annihilating the Islamic Republic' with further strikes.

During his address, Trump accused Iran's leadership of suppressing its own population, alleging that over 72,000 Iranian citizens have been killed this year, with 10,000 allegedly killed for participating in protests. In response, Iran's Armed Forces issued a statement, carried by Press TV, asserting their readiness to deliver "even harsher, crushing, and unpredictable blows to the aggressors." The statement further contended that Trump's rhetoric would not alter the global balance of power or compensate for America's perceived diminished standing and past defeats.

Despite the heated exchange, President Trump later described a meeting with Iranian representatives as "very good," suggesting Iran had the choice between "potential greatness or obliteration" and that a deal would be to their advantage. He indicated another meeting was scheduled for the near future.

The prospect of improved relations, or at least dialogue, led to a decrease in oil prices. Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate futures fell in early Asian trade, dropping below the $100 per barrel mark.

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which began nearly seven months ago following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran, has resulted in Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. implementing a counter-blockade of Iranian ports. Concurrently, a conflict involving Saudi-backed forces and Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen has impacted energy exports from the Red Sea. President Trump had previously pledged that oil prices would decrease once the United States achieved victory in the war.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly resumed operations along its critical East-West Pipeline, which had been shut down due to drone attacks. The pipeline is a key route for oil exports, allowing Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. While Saudi Aramco has informed Asian refiners of potential crude pickups from the Red Sea port of Yanbu, European counterparts were reportedly told they would not receive October allocations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New York to address the UN General Assembly, marking his first address since the U.S. and Israel initiated attacks on his country. On the sidelines of the UN gathering, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Araghchi outlined Tehran's demands, including the immediate lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, the prompt release of frozen Iranian assets, and an end to the war across regional resistance fronts.

Meanwhile, new U.S. sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector were set to take effect, aimed at crippling Tehran's carriers and penalizing those conducting business with them. Iranian media reported cancellations of flights to Baghdad and Muscat, though other routes were expected to remain unaffected. These measures follow previous aviation sanctions and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's threat of an "economic D-Day" to force Iran's submission amid stalled military efforts.