U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized that the United States has conveyed a clear message to both Iran and Israel, stressing the need to avoid escalating the conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking on Wednesday, Blinken stated that officials are in constant communication with allies and partners in the region and that there is a “clear consensus” that no one should escalate the situation.
“We have engaged in intense diplomacy with allies and partners and conveyed this message directly to Iran. We conveyed this message directly to Israel,” Blinken said.
He added that the United States will continue to defend Israel against attacks but underscored the importance of all parties in the region recognizing the risks of escalation and miscalculation.
Ceasefire Talks in Final Stages
Additionally, Blinken mentioned, “Launching more attacks will only increase the risk of serious outcomes that no one can predict and no one can fully control.”
Following a meeting with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and their Australian counterparts, Blinken noted that talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in the Gaza war are in the final stages and should conclude very soon.
It is noteworthy that Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’ political bureau, was assassinated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, last week. Following the attack, Iran threatened retaliation against Israel, which did not claim responsibility.
With the recent killing of senior Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut last week, concerns have escalated that the conflict in Gaza could expand into a broader Middle East war.
Iran has stated that the United States bears responsibility for Haniyeh’s assassination due to its support for Israel.
