Iran vows 'painful' retaliation as Trump threatens economy and leadership before UN meeting

President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iran's economy or eliminate its leadership if Tehran does not strike a deal, raising tensions ahead of this week's UN General Assembly meeting in New York. Iran's military warned of "painful" retaliation across the Middle East, saying regional countries backing a U.S.-led strike would be treated as parties to the conflict. The exchange follows the collapse of a June memorandum, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian set to attend the UN gathering. The U.S. State Department issued a security alert citing risks of unforeseen escalation, after Houthi militants claimed attacks on Riyadh. Oil prices dipped slightly, with Brent crude at $102.15 a barrel, though analysts forecast prices to remain in a $90-110 range through 2026.