President Donald Trump has denounced Iran's "blood lust" and called on other nations to join the United States to apply pressure on Iran after attacks on Saudi oil facilities, but said there is a path to peace.
"America knows that while anyone can make war, only the most courageous can choose peace," Trump said on Tuesday in an address to the United Nations General Assembly.
In his third UN appearance, Trump offered a more subdued tone compared with the bombast of his previous speeches in 2017 and 2018, as he faces re-election and a fresh push for his impeachment among some Democrats.
While offering his habitual defence of national sovereignty - "the future must never belong to globalists" - Trump tempered his language, stressing the US desire for peaceful relations with all and calling for collective, rather than unilateral, action.
The response to Trump in the chamber was relatively muted, a year after the crowd laughed when he boasted about his achievements and gasped in 2017 when he threatened to wipe out North Korea.
The September 14 attacks in Saudi Arabia, widely blamed on Iran, have rattled the Middle East and raised concerns about a broader war. Iran denies involvement. Trump has shown restraint in the crisis, holding back from military retaliation despite pressure from hawkish allies, 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 pursuit of nuclear weapons. Iran has said its nuclear program has always been for peaceful purposes only.
"All nations have a duty to act. No responsible government should subsidise Iran's blood lust. As long as Iran's menacing behaviour continues sanctions will not be lifted, they will be tightened," Trump said.
Stern message for China
Trump had a stern message for China and its president, Xi Jinping, with whom he is locked in a trade war that is damaging both their economies. He said the world is watching how Beijing handles mass demonstrations in Hong Kong that have heightened fears of a potential Chinese crackdown.
"How China chooses to handle the situation will say a great deal about its role in the world in the future. We are all counting on President Xi as a great leader," he said.
Scott Morrison and Donald Trump at the opening of the Pratt Paper Plant in Ohio. Source: AAP
Trump has sought to pressure China to agree to reduce trade barriers through a policy of increasing tariffs on Chinese products. He accused China of the theft of trade secrets "on a grand scale" and said it was taking advantage of World Trade Organisation rules that give Beijing beneficial treatment as a "developing economy".
"Hopefully we can reach an agreement that will be beneficial to both countries. But as I have made clear I will not accept a bad deal for the American people," Trump said.
Trump was tough on Iran and its leadership, with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in New York for UN activities amid speculation about whether they might meet to discuss their differences.
An Iranian diplomat sat in Iran's second-row seat for Trump's speech. Rouhani was at his New York hotel, not in the UN chamber.
In remarks to media on Tuesday, Rouhani said he was open to discuss small changes, additions or amendments to a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six major powers if the US lifted sanctions imposed on the Islamic republic.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel met Rouhani on Tuesday and said she told him she would welcome US talks with Iran but that it was unrealistic for Tehran to think sanctions would be lifted before talks take place.
Over the past week, Trump has tightened economic sanctions on 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.
"America is ready to embrace friendship to all who genuinely seek peace and respect," Trump said. "The United States has never believed in permanent enemies. We want partners, not adversaries."
