Iran and US Exchange Warnings as Houthi Attacks Raise Regional Tensions
WASHINGTON: Iran and the United States exchanged fresh warnings on Sunday as tensions across the Middle East continued to rise following new attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group.
US President Donald Trump warned that Iran could face severe economic consequences or further military action if it does not reach an agreement with Washington. At the same time, Iran’s military said any new attack would be met with a strong response against US bases and interests in the region.
Trump also said he would be open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is expected to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly this week.
The latest statements come after months of conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel. The confrontation has affected Iran’s economy, disrupted energy markets and increased security concerns across the region.
Iran’s military central command said on Sunday that it had received information suggesting another attack could be under preparation. Iranian officials warned that any new military action could lead to retaliation against US interests and regional allies.
Houthi Attacks Increase Pressure on Saudi Arabia
Regional tensions increased further after Yemen’s Houthi group launched missile and drone attacks toward Saudi Arabia, including the capital Riyadh.
Video footage showed a large plume of smoke near the area of Riyadh’s main international airport following explosions overnight.
The US State Department issued a security alert over the Houthi activity, warning of possible further escalation in the Middle East. It also advised US citizens to remain cautious and prepare for potential flight cancellations or airspace closures.
Saudi authorities did not immediately comment on the reported incident. A Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis said it had intercepted or prevented other attacks targeting the kingdom.
The latest developments have placed additional pressure on Saudi Arabia as it considers its military response to the Houthis while seeking to protect important infrastructure and prevent further attacks.
Shipping and Energy Supplies Under Pressure
The conflict is also affecting important shipping routes in the region.
Houthi territorial gains along parts of Yemen’s coast have increased the group’s access to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime route connecting the Red Sea with the wider Indian Ocean and Asian markets.
At the same time, restrictions affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted the movement of energy supplies from the Gulf. The combined impact has increased concerns about global oil and gas supplies and added pressure to energy markets.
Iran is also facing restrictions on its oil exports, further increasing economic pressure on the country.
Despite the economic and security impact, there has been little progress toward restoring an interim ceasefire agreement reached in June. The arrangement later broke down in July following disagreements over its terms.
Iran said on Sunday that it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the conditions of the June agreement, according to its interpretation, were fulfilled.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the country would continue both negotiations and military efforts as it sought to protect its interests and strengthen its position through diplomacy.
