UNGA: Trump says he is in 'very strong position' on Iran

US president says no country should support Iran's 'blood lust'

UNITED NATIONS: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he was in a "very strong position" with Iran, which he believed wanted to do something to defuse tensions with the United States, striking a conciliatory tone ahead of his speech at the United Nations.

"I think we're doing very well. Let's see what happens with Iran, but we are in a very strong position on Iran and I think they'd like to do something and it would be a smart ting for them if they did," Trump said on arrival at the General Assembly.

However, later on he called on nations around the world to tighten the economic noose around Iran's economy, saying no country should support Iran's "blood lust."

"All nations have a duty to act," Trump told the global summit.

"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."

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It is Trump's third appearance before world leaders gathered in the green-marbled UN chamber in New York and a host of global challenges are on his agenda, from North Korea to China and Venezuela.

Speculation has been rife over whether the leaders of the two arch-foes would finally meet on the sidelines of the general assembly -- with France and Germany working to broker what would be a historic rendezvous.

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.

He has shown restraint on the use of military force against Iran over the Saudi oil attacks, resisting pressure from conservative hawks who believe Iran must be punished.