US: Antony Blinken warns against escalation in Middle East

WASHINGTON: United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on both Iran and Israel to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on Tuesday.

The US State Secretary urged both nations to avoid further exacerbation of the crisis. Blinken’s remarks came amid rising tensions and recent violent incidents in the region.

Read more: Hamas names October 7 mastermind as Haniyeh’s successor

Blinken conveyed the US’s direct communication with both Iran and Israel, asking for restraint. “We’ve engaged in intensive diplomacy with our allies and partners, making it clear to both Iran and Israel that escalation is unacceptable,” Blinken told reporters.

The plea for calm follows reports that Israel was involved in the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The development has heightened regional tensions, with Iran vowing retaliation.

US President Joe Biden expressed dissatisfaction with Israeli actions, particularly as his administration seeks to advance a ceasefire agreement in the protracted Gaza conflict.

Blinken said that the United States was committed to ensuring Israel’s “security” but cautioned that further attacks would only deepen regional instability. “Our commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad, but the perpetuation of conflict only leads to greater insecurity for everyone involved,” he stated.

The US, alongside Egypt and Qatar, has been leading efforts to negotiate an end to the Gaza conflict, with talks reportedly reaching a critical stage. Blinken said that finalising a ceasefire agreement and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas was important.

US ramps up security measures n Middle East

In response to increasing regional threats, the US military heightened its presence in the Middle East. The USS Theodore Roosevelt deployed almost a dozen F/A-18 fighter jets to a military base in the region.

A squadron of F-22 fighter jets is also expected to arrive shortly. The military buildup aims to ramp up defenses against potential Iranian and proxy attacks.

Read more: US: Kamala Harris picks Tim Walz as vice presidential running mate

The Pentagon’s actions follow a recent rocket attack on a US base in Iraq that injured seven personnel. This incident is part of a broader pattern of escalated strikes by Iranian-backed militias, which have intensified in recent months.