How Far is the Distance from Verbal War to Real War?

The recent verbal disputes between Tehran and Washington have gradually taken on a more serious tone. Hassan Rouhani warns the U.S. not to 'play with the lion's tail.' In response, Donald Trump states that threatening America could have unprecedented consequences in history. Rouhani asserts that if Iran cannot sell oil, no other country in the region will be able to either. When he hears from the U.S. that the security of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will be guaranteed, he explicitly states, 'It’s not just the Strait of Hormuz; there are many other straits.' Just three days after the threat regarding 'other straits,' Iranian-backed Houthis attacked two ships in another strait, Bab-el-Mandeb, causing Saudi Arabia to temporarily suspend its maritime traffic in the Red Sea. Only a day later, Qassem Soleimani, whose Quds Force is on the U.S. terrorist sanctions list, claims he stands alone against Donald Trump, stating, 'Know that where you least expect it, we are close to you,' and his main point is that 'the Red Sea is no longer safe for American presence.' No direct response from the U.S. or its allies has been observed regarding the attack on the two ships by the Houthis, and it remains unclear whether any action will follow. However, what many are pondering is how likely it is that the verbal war will gradually escalate into a real war.