Trump, Iran's Rouhani exchange threats, insults on U.N.'s world stage

By Steve Holland and Parisa Hafezi

 

U.S. President Donald Trump pauses as he addresses the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 25, 2018. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

 

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani exchanged taunts at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday with Trump vowing more sanctions against Tehran and Rouhani suggesting his American counterpart suffers from a "weakness of intellect."

 

Trump used his annual address to the United Nations to attack Iran's "corrupt dictatorship," praise last year's bogeyman North Korea and lay down a defiant message that he will reject globalism and protect American interests.

 

But much of his 35-minute address was aimed squarely at Iran, which the United States accuses of harbouring nuclear ambitions and fomenting instability in the Middle East through its support for militant groups in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

 

"Iran's leaders sow chaos, death and destruction," Trump told the gathering in the green-marbled hall. "They do not respect their neighbours or borders or the sovereign rights of nations."

 

Rouhani, addressing the assembled world leaders later, sharply criticized Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran. He said he had "no need for a photo opportunity" with Trump and suggested the U.S. president's pull back from global institutions was a character defect.

 

"Confronting multilateralism is not a sign of strength. Rather it is a symptom of the weakness of intellect - it betrays an inability in understanding a complex and interconnected world," he said.

 

Trump's address was met largely by silence from world leaders still not comfortable with go-it-alone views that have strained U.S. relationships with traditional allies worldwide.

 

His speech, while delivered in a low-key fashion, was nonetheless a thunderous recitation of his "America First" policies. He has disrupted the world order by withdrawing the United States from the nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord, and threatened to punish NATO nations for not paying more for their common defence.

 

"We will never surrender America's sovereignty to an unelected, unaccountable, global bureaucracy," Trump said, in language popular with his political base. "America is governed by Americans. We reject the ideology of globalism, and we embrace the doctrine of patriotism."

 

Besides calling out Iran, Trump also criticized China for its trade practices but made no mention of Russia's interference in Syria's war or its suspected meddling in U.S. elections.

 

Rouhani was defiant in his speech to the world body.

 

"What Iran says is clear: no war, no sanctions, no threats, no bullying; just acting according to the law and the fulfilment of obligations," Rouhani said.

 

MACRON'S ALTERNATIVE VIEW

Offering an alternative view when it was his turn at the podium, French President Emmanuel Macron told the delegates that the law of the survival of the fittest, protectionism and isolationism would only lead to heightened tensions.

 

Defending multilateralism and collective action, he said nationalism would lead to failure and if countries stopped defending basic principles, global wars would return. 

 

"I do not accept the erosion of multilateralism and don't accept our history unravelling," Macron told the assembly, at times raising his voice. "Our children are watching."

 

Macron, citing the example of Iran, said that this unilateralism push would lead directly to conflicts.

 

Trump, who begins his political rallies with boasts about his economic record in less than two years in office, used the same rhetoric before the crowd of world leaders and diplomats, telling them he had accomplished more than almost any previous U.S. president.

 

The remark led to some murmuring and laughter in the crowd, taking the president slightly aback.

 

"I didn’t expect that reaction, but that's OK," he said.

 

Trump attempted to drive a wedge between Iran's leadership and its people, days after an attack in southwestern Iran on a military parade killed 25 people and unsettled the country.

 

In remarks to reporters on his way to his speech, Trump said he would not meet the Iranians until they "change their tune." Though he held out the possibility of a better relationship in the future, he made clear economic pressure on Iran would not abate.

 

Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, addressing a group called United Against a Nuclear Iran, called the 2015 accord "the worst diplomatic debacle in American history" and had a warning for "the mullahs in Tehran."

 

"If you cross us, our allies, or our partners; if you harm our citizens; if you continue to lie, cheat, and deceive, yes, there will indeed be HELL to PAY," he said.

 

In May, Republican Trump withdrew the United States from the deal to put curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for easing sanctions. France, Britain, Germany, Russia, China and the European Union were part of the accord with Iran.

 

Foes for decades, Washington and Tehran have been increasingly at odds since May. The accord with OPEC member Iran was negotiated under Democratic U.S. President Barack Obama.

 

"Additional sanctions will resume November 5th and more will follow and we are working with countries that import Iranian crude oil to cut their purchases substantially," Trump said.

 

He said the United States would help create a regional strategic alliance between Gulf nations and Jordan and Egypt, a move the United States sees as a bulwark against Iran.

 

Trump compared U.S. relations with Iran to what he called improved ties with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who Trump had met in Singapore in June as part of a still-unfulfilled drive to get Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons.

 

In his address last year to the U.N., Trump insulted Kim as a "rocket man" bent on nuclear destruction. On Tuesday, Trump praised Kim for halting nuclear and missile tests, releasing Americans held prisoner and returning some remains of U.S. soldiers killed in the 1950s Korean War.

 

The two leaders are trying to arrange a second summit. Trump has said sanctions on North Korea would remain for now.

 

Delivering a harsh message to OPEC members, Trump called on them to stop raising oil prices and to pay for their own military protection. He threatened to limit U.S. aid only to countries that are friendly to the United States.

 

Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said oil prices were driven only by markets, by supply and demand. "These are not things that can be manipulated by a decision here or there," said Gargash, whose country is an OPEC member.

 

Crude oil prices shot to a four-year high on Tuesday, catapulted by imminent U.S. sanctions on Iranian crude exports and the apparent reluctance of OPEC and Russia to raise output to offset the potential hit to global supply.

 

(Reporting by Steve Holland and Parisa Hafezi; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols, Jeff Mason, Arshad Mohammed, Yara Bayoumy, John Irish; editing by Yara Bayoumy and Grant McCool)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-09-26

"I didn’t expect that reaction, but that's OK," he said."

 

Bowing down and annointing  feet was his expectations?

SSDD !  (Same Sh*t Different Day). Trump thinks he solved the threat on the peninsula, or so he would like the world to believe. However, his little meeting in Singapore was only chapter one of many yet to come. Kim is pressing forward with his nuclear ambitions, hood winking Trump like he did all other leaders in the past.

 

Thinking that his "art of the deal" threats worked to soften Kim, his little pea brain has told him to pull the same stunt on Iran.

"We'll see".

At last. A western leader willing to stand up to the UN. He was elected in a democratic country unlike Rouhani and 80% of the UN leaders.

Bloke is a LEGEND. Telling the NWO to go to hell. At last a real "Leader Of the Free World"

 

5 minutes ago, ozziedave007 said:

Bloke is a LEGEND. Telling the NWO to go to hell. At last a real "Leader Of the Free World"

 

Yes, America Alone.

5 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Yes, America Alone.

I doubt it, you let let your "I Hate Trump" emotions cloud any reasonable thought you might have. America controls the World banking system, when the previous sanctions become new again on Nov 1,  you find out how many countries are siding with the Worlds state sponsor of terrorism. Not many.

 

I think even those misguided souls who voted for Trump must even be embarrassed  by a President of the United States resorting to adolescent retorts.  The US have had a huge loss of confidence from the global community in recent years but the performance of this buffoon must rank as one of the most embarrassing thing ever to happen in the history of the USA.

9 minutes ago, dcutman said:

I doubt it, you let let your "I Hate Trump" emotions cloud any reasonable thought you might have. America controls the World banking system, when the previous sanctions become new again on Nov 1,  you find out how many countries are siding with the Worlds state sponsor of terrorism. Not many.

 

Sorry to disappoint, I don't hate Trump. I just think he is an extremely bad president without any class whatsoever.

In 2014, Trump tweeted "We need a President who isn't a laughing stock to the entire World. We need a truly great leader, a genius at strategy and winning. Respect!"

 

Well Mr president many leaders laughed at you today.

America may control the Banking system but what good if the World defaults.

Without globalism it is impossible for smaller Countries to repay their loans

What may follow is a new World Banking system that America does not belong too. This may be China's strategy for now Most us can but look and shake Our heads as this man make America the laughing stock of the World community.

Let's put it this way, Iran is far away from the image its trying to portray themselves as peaceful loving nation, THEY ARE NOT! their leadership are warmongering mad religious fanatics that  had and still have no qualms in sacrificing millions of live for their controlling agendas like the do in Yemen, Syria iraq and Lebanon to name a few, and Trump is there to STOP these mullha mad men while the rest of the world mostly and selfishly looking on aching for the lost business and revenues with Iran... 

48 minutes ago, The manic said:

At last. A western leader willing to stand up to the UN. He was elected in a democratic country unlike Rouhani and 80% of the UN leaders.

Hmm, best not dwell on the subject of elections and percentages - it could get rather embarrassing...

10 minutes ago, Kiwiken said:

In 2014, Trump tweeted "We need a President who isn't a laughing stock to the entire World. We need a truly great leader, a genius at strategy and winning. Respect!"

 

Well Mr president many leaders laughed at you today.

America may control the Banking system but what good if the World defaults.

Without globalism it is impossible for smaller Countries to repay their loans

What may follow is a new World Banking system that America does not belong too. This may be China's strategy for now Most us can but look and shake Our heads as this man make America the laughing stock of the World community.

The news media are having a heyday with this last embarrassing Trump episode. And in usual Trump fashion, he had the gall to say his comments were supposed to get a laugh.

That's twice now today that he gave the world a laugh!

Aaaah the Saudi Sword Dancer again...Hehehe

16 minutes ago, ezzra said:

Let's put it this way, Iran is far away from the image its trying to portray themselves as peaceful loving nation, THEY ARE NOT! their leadership are warmongering mad religious fanatics that  had and still have no qualms in sacrificing millions of live for their controlling agendas like the do in Yemen, Syria iraq and Lebanon to name a few, and Trump is there to STOP these mullha mad men while the rest of the world mostly and selfishly looking on aching for the lost business and revenues with Iran... 

Trump is saving us while the rest is being selfish? 

Which alternate reality are you living in. There has been no president in the USA or the rest of the western world who had just one aim: making sure he himself is better of. No-one but Trump.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Trump's address was met largely by silence from world leaders

Apart from when they laughed at him. 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Trump, Iran's Rouhani exchange threats, insults

Exactly what happened with Kim/North Korea..., and now they are best boy friends.    

Another embarrassment for most Americans. It's really sad how so many voters were conned by this pompous ignorant Buffoon. The world is laughing at America and their so called Leader.

 

 

12 minutes ago, jerojero said:

The world is laughing at America and their so called Leader.

 

 

Well, the world is full of degenerate women and soy boy beta males so no surprise there.

14 minutes ago, jerojero said:

Another embarrassment for most Americans. It's really sad how so many voters were conned by this pompous ignorant Buffoon. The world is laughing at America and their so called Leader.

 

 

I don't think they are laughing at Americans in general, just "their so called Leader", the "ignorant Buffoon" .

As for the ones who were conned and the handful of Trumpeteer supporters on TVF, "we'll see what happens".

2 hours ago, The manic said:

At last. A western leader willing to stand up to the UN. He was elected in a democratic country unlike Rouhani and 80% of the UN leaders.

A fine democratic country indeed.  Where one man can collude with the Russians, fail to win the most votes, yet still manage to be elected president.  The 'stand up' bit is true though.  He was sheer comedy gold. 

1 hour ago, ezzra said:

Let's put it this way, Iran is far away from the image its trying to portray themselves as peaceful loving nation, THEY ARE NOT! their leadership are warmongering mad religious fanatics that  had and still have no qualms in sacrificing millions of live for their controlling agendas like the do in Yemen, Syria iraq and Lebanon to name a few, and Trump is there to STOP these mullha mad men while the rest of the world mostly and selfishly looking on aching for the lost business and revenues with Iran... 

Exactly what has Trump achieved to date to control the Iranian theocracy? When and where did Iran sacrifice millions of lives in the countries you mention?

2 hours ago, ozziedave007 said:

Bloke is a LEGEND. Telling the NWO to go to hell. At last a real "Leader Of the Free World"

 

One prediction from the reaction to the conspiracy theory of the NWO seems to be coming reality. 

 

"the rise to power of authoritarian ultranationalist demagogues"

The un laughing at trump made my day I wish all the world leaders would just stop him in mid lie As far as some posters saying trump haters he brings it on himself by attacking children pows gold star family’s the poor the middle class the health care system women our allies that’s just for starters now with his beef with Iran watch your fuel prices yup thank trump for that and he is just getting started!!

1 hour ago, underlordcthulhu said:

Well, the world is full of degenerate women and soy boy beta males so no surprise there.

 

Actually, the world is not full of "degenerate women and soy boy beta males".  And neither is it full of "manly men" (I'm being EXTREMELY polite here) like you.

Edited September 26, 20187 yr by Becker

2 hours ago, ezzra said:

Let's put it this way, Iran is far away from the image its trying to portray themselves as peaceful loving nation, THEY ARE NOT! their leadership are warmongering mad religious fanatics that  had and still have no qualms in sacrificing millions of live for their controlling agendas like the do in Yemen, Syria iraq and Lebanon to name a few, and Trump is there to STOP these mullha mad men while the rest of the world mostly and selfishly looking on aching for the lost business and revenues with Iran... 

Yes Iran is far from a peace loving Country. But it is no more guilty of fueling division and war in the M.E than other local players. Some of it Religion, some Tribal some just profit taking. Iran has hostile neighbours. Saudi Arabia stirs up trouble there as well as in the South pacific and has done so a lot longer than the Mullahs have run Iran

14 minutes ago, Becker said:

 

Actually, the world is not full of "degenerate women and soy boy beta males".  And neither is it full of "manly men" (I'm being EXTREMELY polite here) like you.

You're correct, just the ones laughing at Trump.

3 minutes ago, underlordcthulhu said:

You're correct, just the ones laughing at Trump.

So you're saying the world is full of people that laugh at Trump. Well, at least we agree on something.

Edited September 26, 20187 yr by Becker

3 hours ago, The manic said:

At last. A western leader willing to stand up to the UN. He was elected in a democratic country unlike Rouhani and 80% of the UN leaders.

At last. The UN finally and collectively, laughed their socks off at the puffed up clown who clucked and bragged in his usual tirade of incompetence and self importance. P'ratt of the 1st degree. Clown of the world - and we all know it. 

 

Except you.

11 minutes ago, car720 said:

He really does think that the sun shines out of his butt, doesn't he?

 

Hence the orange tint of his hue and hair.

Edited September 26, 20187 yr by Becker