ANNAPOLIS: The United States has communicated to Israel and Iran that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East must not escalate, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, even as the Pentagon warned that it would not tolerate strikes against its troops in the region.
Reuters reported that the region is bracing for a possible new wave of assaults by Iran and its allies after last week’s killing of senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah. Around five US personnel and two contractors were wounded in an attack on a base in Iraq on Monday, which Lloyd Austin blamed on Iran-backed groups.
The top U.S. diplomat stated that officials had been in constant touch with allies and associates in the region and there was a “clear consensus” that no one should intensify the situation. Blinken stated that they have been engaged in intense diplomacy with partners and allies, communicating that message directly to Tehran. Blinken said that they have communicated that message directly to Israel.
Blinken said that Washington will continue to defend Israel against attacks, but also noted that everyone in the region should realize the risks of miscalculation and escalation.
“Further assaults only increase the risk of dangerous outcomes that no one can forecast and no one can completely control.”
Washington will not tolerate assaults on its personnel: Austin
On the other hand, the Pentagon said it would deploy additional jets and Navy warships to the region as the US seeks to bolster defenses in the Middle East. US Secretary of State Blinken, after a meeting involving Austin and their Australian counterparts, also said dialogue to achieve a truce and hostage agreement on the conflict in Gaza had reached their final phase and should end very soon.
Political leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in the Iranian capital of Tehran last week. The assault drew threats of revenge by Tehran on Israel.
Coupled with the assassination of the senior commander of Hezbollah, Fuad Shukr, by Israel in an attack on Beirut last week, concern has further intensified that the war in Gaza is turning into a wider regional war. Tehran said that Washington bears responsibility in the assassination of the Hamas leader due to its support for Israel. Earlier, on Monday, a rocket strike on al Asad airbase in Iraq wounded seven American personnel. Austin stated that Washington would not tolerate assaults on its personnel.
A rare ally of both the United States and Iran, Iraq hosts around 2,500 U.S. forces and has Iran-backed militias linked to its security troops. It has witnessed rising tit-for-tat strikes since the Hamas-Israel war erupted in October.
