US National Security Adviser John Bolton has warned Iran’s rulers that there be “hell to pay” if they harm the US, its citizens or allies.
His comments came hours after President Donald Trump accused Iran of sowing “chaos, death and destruction” across the Middle East.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani responded by criticising the Trump administration for its hostility.
The US recently imposed sanctions after leaving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
The accord, negotiated by former President Barack Obama, saw Iran limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
The remaining signatories are standing by the deal. The UK, China, France, Germany and Russia say they will set up a new payment system to maintain business with Iran and bypass US sanctions.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the plan as “one of the most counterproductive measures imaginable”. Read more