Both Iran and Israel must avoid escalating conflicts in the Middle East, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israel on Tuesday (6/8).
“Nothing should escalate this conflict. We have been engaged in intense diplomacy with allies and partners, delivering that message directly to Iran. We've delivered that message directly to Israel,” Blinken told reporters.
Iran has promised to respond after Israel killed Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
President Joe Biden has signaled his disappointment with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the killing, which came as ceasefire talks appeared to be on the way.
“Our commitment to Israel's security is ironclad. We will continue to defend Israel from attacks by terrorist groups or their supporters, just as we will continue to defend our troops,” Blinken said.
“However, everyone in the region must understand that further attacks will only prolong conflict, instability and insecurity for everyone,” he added.
Blinken spoke after meeting with Australia's foreign and defense ministers at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He said the United States was working “intensively to reduce tensions in the Middle East and prevent the spread of conflict.”
“Further attacks would only increase the risk of dangerous outcomes, which no one can predict and no one can fully control,” Blinken said.
It also called on all parties in the region to “understand the risks of miscalculation and make decisions that ease tensions, not aggravate them.” (th/ab)
