US President Trump condemns ICC and urges continued pressure on Iran at UN General Assembly

On the morning of the 22nd (night of the same day, Japan time), US President Trump delivered a general debate speech at the United Nations General Assembly, which is currently being held in New York. He condemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) and called on its member states to immediately formally withdraw from the organization. After justifying the military operation against Iran that began in February, he appealed not to allow the country to acquire nuclear weapons.

Trump has denounced the ICC as a "rogue agency" that is out of control. He stressed that he would "never admit" that U.S. military personnel would be the subject of an investigation. The Wall Street Journal reported on the 20th that the United States is preparing "wide-ranging sanctions" against the ICC.

It also called on countries to maintain pressure on Iran and join in measures to isolate it economically. He warned that he would have to make a "big decision" between reaching a deal to end the hostilities and rebuilding Iran, or destroying the country. ``I think an agreement will be reached with Iran (after the midterm elections in November),'' he said.

He also emphasized the achievements made in efforts to resolve conflicts in Gaza, the Palestinian autonomous region, and other areas. A ceasefire between Israel and the Islamic group Hamas went into effect in October last year, brokered by the United States, and a Peace Council was established in January this year to oversee interim governance of Gaza.