United Nations, September 19 (RHC)-- U.S. President Donald Trump has lashed out at Venezuela, Iran and North Korea in his speech at the opening of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Trump referred to what he called "the socialist dictatorship" of Nicolas Maduro, saying it had destroyed a once wealthy country, as every socialist or communist regime had always done. He said the United States has already taken significant action against the Venezuelan government, and that it was "prepared to take further action" if the government continues -- in his words -- to impose its will on the Venezuelan people.

The U.S. president called Iran a "rogue state" and repeated his threat to pull out of the international nuclear deal on Iran, claiming it was a 'bad deal' for the United States.

But Trump's strongest words were directed at North Korea. Referring to Kim Jong Un, the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, he said: "Rocket man is on a suicide mission for himself and his regime." He promised to "totally destroy North Korea" if it continued to threaten the United States or its allies.

Global leaders have converged on New York City for the 72nd UN General Assembly. The first session opened with a speech by UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres and was followed by the President of the General Assembly Miroslav Lajcak.

The Brazilian president Michel Temer, also criticized Venezuela, saying that human rights in the country are "deteriorating," even though Temer himself was never elected to the presidency and both he and many in his government are facing a raft of corruption charges.