Iran, US trade threats after Houthi attacks escalate regional conflict

DUBAI/WASHINGTON — In a recent escalation of the ongoing regional conflict, Iran and the United States have exchanged new threats, according to reports. President Donald Trump warned Iran that it would face severe economic consequences or have its leadership completely eradicated if it fails to reach a deal, while the Iranian military stated that it would retaliate severely to any further attacks.

The conflict has been stagnant for months, with neither side showing willingness to compromise, despite the intensification of a global energy crisis, the dismantling of significant portions of Iran's economy, and the expansion of the regional escalations.

During a conversation with a Fox News reporter, Trump expressed his expectation that Iran's leaders should make a deal, either by failing economically or being completely wiped out, according to the reporter. However, considering Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to visit New York this week for the United Nations General Assembly, Trump indicated that he would be open to meeting him, as per the Fox reporter's account.

It's important to note that Trump has repeatedly made vague threats of major military escalations throughout the conflict, which began on February 28, without subsequently implementing them.