The president of the United States, Donald Trump, denounced Tuesday the "thirst for blood" of Iran and asked other nations to join the United States to pressure Iran after the attacks on Saudi oil facilities, but said there is a Road to peace.
"We want partners, not adversaries," Trump said in a speech at the annual meeting of world leaders of the United Nations General Assembly.
In his third annual appearance at the United Nations, Trump offered a more moderate tone compared to the uproar of his previous speeches to the UN in 2017 and 2018, seeking to convey a more reassuring presence when he asks Americans for a second term next year. despite a new impulse for his political trial among some Democrats.
While offering his usual defense of national sovereignty, Trump softened his language towards Iran, emphasizing the desire of the United States to have peaceful relations with all and calling for collective, rather than unilateral, action. "The United States knows that while anyone can make war, only the bravest can choose peace," he said.
The attacks of September 14 in Saudi Arabia have shaken the Middle East and raised concerns about a wider war. Trump has shown moderation in the crisis, avoiding military reprisals despite pressure from conservative hawks, at least for now.
But he promised to keep trying to squeeze Iran's economy with sanctions until Tehran agrees to give up what Washington says is a search for nuclear weapons. Iran has said its nuclear program has always been only for peaceful purposes.
“All nations have a duty to act. No responsible government should subsidize Iran's bloodlust. As long as Iran's threatening behavior continues, the sanctions will not be lifted, hardened, ”Trump said.
Trump had a severe message for China and its president, Xi Jinping, with whom he is locked in a trade war that is damaging their economies. He said the world is watching how Beijing handles mass demonstrations in Hong Kong that have raised concerns about a possible Chinese repression.
“The way China chooses to handle the situation will say a lot about its role in the word in the future. We all have President Xi as a great leader, ”he said.
Trump has tried to pressure China to agree to reduce trade barriers through a policy of increasing tariffs on Chinese products.
“Hopefully we can reach an agreement that is beneficial for both countries. But as I have made clear, I will not accept bad treatment for the American people, ”Trump said.
Trump was tough on Iran and his leadership, with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in New York for UN activities amid speculation about whether they could meet to discuss their differences.
Rouhani was at his New York hotel, not in the UN chamber, during Trump's speech.
Have a look: Rouhani goes to the UN for Iran's support against the United States
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Rouhani said he was open to discussing small changes, additions or amendments to a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and six major powers if the United States lifted the sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic.
French President Emmanuel Macron, trying to create conditions for talks between the United States and Iran, said he hoped there could be progress in Iran on Tuesday after holding talks with Rouhani on Monday.
"We have to return to the table to have a frank and demanding discussion about nuclear activity, Iran's regional activities, the ballistic missile program, but also to have a broader focus on sanctions," Macron told reporters, Without giving more details. "I hope we can progress in the next few hours."
Tehran has been widely blamed for the attacks in Saudi Arabia, but denies their participation. During the past week, Trump tightened economic sanctions against Iran and ordered more US troops to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in a show of support for those US allies in the tense region.
"After four decades of failure, it is time for Iran's leaders to step forward and stop threatening other countries and concentrate on building their own country," Trump said.
"The United States is ready to embrace friendship with all who really seek peace and respect," he said.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1507111/trump-accuses-iran-of-blood-lust-in-un-speech-but-says-there-is-path-to-peace
