Iran, US trade threats after Houthi attacks escalate regional conflict

DUBAI/WASHINGTON — In a rapidly escalating dispute, Iran and the United States traded new threats on Sunday, with President Donald Trump vowing dire consequences if Iran failed to reach an agreement, while Iranian military officials vowed to respond harshly to any additional aggression. The conflict has remained stagnant for months, with neither party showing any inclination towards compromise, despite the situation exacerbating a worldwide energy crisis, decimating parts of Iran's economy, and triggering fresh regional confrontations.

During a conversation with a Fox News correspondent, Trump stated that Iran's leaders should reach a deal, either by suffering economically or facing complete obliteration, according to the reporter. Nevertheless, with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian set to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, Trump indicated his willingness to engage in discussions with him, as per the Fox correspondent.

Throughout the ongoing conflict, which commenced with U.S. and Israeli operations on February 28, Trump has habitually issued ambiguous warnings of substantial military actions without following through. Earlier, Iran's military central command asserted that any fresh attack would prompt a sustained response.