At UN, Trump attacks globalism, urges pressure on Iran

President Donald Trump took centre stage at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday to deliver a strong defense of nationalism while exhorting the world to act against Iran's "bloodlust" and rising aggression.

The president called on the global leaders seated before him to join the US in further isolating Tehran, pushing them to use economic sanctions to pressure Iran to give up its nuclear program and stop attacks that are rattling the Middle East.

"Not only is Iran the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism, but Iran's leaders are fueling the tragic wars in both Syria and Yemen," Trump said. "All nations have a duty to act. No responsible government should subsidize Iran's bloodlust."
"As long as Iran's menacing behavior continues, sanctions will not be lifted. They will be tightened." "The United States does not seek conflict with any other nation," Trump added. "We desire peace, cooperation, and mutual gain with all. But I will never fail to defend America's interests."
As speculation mounted that Trump could meet in New York with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the president raised the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough, saying "the United States has never believed in permanent enemies. We want partners, not adversaries."
"Globalism exerted a religious pull over past leaders causing them to ignore their own national interests. Those days are over."
Though denouncing Iran's aggression, Trump did not explicitly blame Tehran for recent strikes against oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. Iran has denied orchestrating the attack, which Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has deemed "an act of war."
Britain, France and Germany joined the United States on Monday in blaming Iran for the attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, for his part, pointed to claims of responsibility by Yemeni rebels and insisted: "If Iran were behind this attack, nothing would have been left of this refinery."
Trump, who has met with Kim for a pair of summits and a historic step into North Korea, said this week that another meeting "could happen soon."
He also delivered a bellicose warning to Venezuela. He denounced the government of Nicols Maduro and declared that he awaited the day "when Venezuela will be free and when liberty will prevail throughout this hemisphere."