President Donald Trump used his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Tuesday to defend the nearly seven-month U.S. war with Iran, claim Tehran’s regional power has been broken, and raise the prospect of either a negotiated agreement or further escalation.

He opened his remarks by declaring, “America is back,” and portraying the United States as stronger economically, militarily and technologically under his administration.

Trump defends Iran war, weighs next steps

“There is no better example of a danger that was allowed to gather strength at the world’s peril than the number one sponsor of terror, the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump told world leaders. “They were the bully of the Middle East, but they are the bully no more."

Trump said he had repeatedly offered Iran economic cooperation in exchange for ending its nuclear program and support for terrorism, but Tehran rejected those overtures. He claimed Iran had been building a missile and drone stockpile, including a missile capable of striking Europe, before the U.S. took military action earlier this year.

The president added U.S. and Israeli strikes had destroyed Iran’s navy, air force, radar and much of its missile and drone production capacity. He also thanked the U.N. Security Council for approving a resolution condemning what he called Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping and said the U.S. Navy had escorted more than 1 billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

Still, Trump said he faces a “big decision” over Iran: whether to pursue a deal that would allow the country to rebuild or “annihilate the Islamic Republic.” He predicted an agreement could be reached after the midterm elections, while insisting the election would not determine his approach to Tehran.

Trump also dismissed reports that the war had depleted U.S. weapons stockpiles.

“We have more munitions than we could ever possibly even think of using,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. was increasing production and building 18 new munitions plants.

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