Trump threatens annihilation

At the United Nations on Tuesday, President Donald Trump said the U.S. faces a choice between a deal with Iran or swift military action. He asked: will a deal be made or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic?

“Will a deal be made with Iran? Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic, and do it quickly?”

Iran calls threats strategic desperation

Iran's military responded on Wednesday through the Mehr news agency, describing Trump's threats as a sign of U.S. strategic desperation and military exhaustion, not strength.

“Such words demonstrate America's strategic dead end in its aggression against the Iranian nation.”

Iran warns of crushing strikes

Iran's General Staff said the country stands ready to inflict strikes more crushing than those earlier in the nearly seven-month conflict, warning it is prepared for further escalation.

Trump expects deal after midterms

Trump told reporters the U.S. held a very good three-hour meeting with Iranian envoys at the United Nations. He said he expects an agreement after November's midterm elections.

“I believe we'll make a deal right after the election, because it doesn't make sense for them not to.”

Iran sets conditions for peace

Through Qatari mediators, Iran communicated conditions for ending the war: a halt to U.S. acts of aggression, an end to naval blockade and economic warfare, and release of Iranian assets.

Hormuz reopening within a week

A senior Iranian official said Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if the U.S. eases military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports, restoring global oil shipments.

Shipping remains far below normal

Confirmed transits through Hormuz averaged six point nine eight million barrels a day in the seven days to September twentieth, about thirty-eight percent of the eighteen point three million barrel prewar baseline.