Middle East crisis live: Trump says Iran will make a deal after US midterms

Key Points:

• Former US President Donald Trump expressed confidence at the UN General Assembly that the US will reach a deal with Iran shortly after the upcoming midterm elections, asserting Iran is waiting to see the election outcome despite him not running.
• Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, threatening to "annihilate" the Islamic Republic if it does not capitulate and make a deal, while also claiming that oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz is at its highest since the war began.
• Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of intensified and offensive responses if the US launches new attacks, rejecting US attempts at direct contact and emphasizing that diplomacy is handled solely by Iran’s foreign ministry.
• Meanwhile, regional tensions persist with Saudi Arabia conducting attacks against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including a recent strike on a prison killing nine detainees, amid ongoing disputes over control of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East security.
• The UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted global fault lines including geopolitical conflicts and AI risks, calling for international cooperation and accountability, while the US remains open to talks with Iran at the UN but has no scheduled meetings yet.