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United States President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran if the country does not agree to a new deal. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that the U.S. has two options regarding Iran: reaching a formal agreement or allowing the country to face economic collapse and potential destruction. He further advised Iran to improve its behavior.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent Houthi attacks on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The U.S. has issued warnings to its citizens currently in or traveling to the region. Trump noted that he has not ruled out a potential meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly this week. Regarding the Houthis, Trump claimed the U.S. maintains regular communication with the group and that they have agreed not to engage in conflict against the United States.
Tehran has issued its own warnings, alleging that the U.S. is planning new attacks on Iran with the assistance of certain Gulf nations. Iranian officials stated that any country facilitating such an attack would face consequences. However, a senior Iranian official also expressed interest in resuming negotiations with Washington and mediating the ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
The recent escalation follows reports of explosions near Riyadh’s main airport late Friday. The Houthi movement claimed responsibility for launching ballistic missiles and drones at sensitive sites in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu. The Saudi-led coalition reported that it successfully intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile aimed at the Saudi capital. The Houthi spokesperson, Amin Hayan, stated these actions were in retaliation for Saudi-led strikes in Sanaa.
The United Nations Security Council, along with Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, and Turkey, has condemned the Houthi attacks. Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkey is prepared to provide military support to Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, citing threats to Saudi sovereignty. Analysts suggest that any Turkish assistance would likely focus on defensive capabilities, such as air defense systems, radar, and electronic warfare, rather than direct offensive participation.
Article source: www.prothomalo.com | Image credit: www.prothomalo.com
