US has communicated need to not escalate conflict to Iran and Israel

7/8/2024 7:56

        The United States has communicated to Iran and Israel that conflict in the Middle East must not escalate, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday, amid fears Tehran and its proxies are preparing to launch retaliatory strikes on Israel.
        
        Officials had been in constant contact with allies and partners in the region and there was a "clear consensus" that no one should escalate the situation, the top U.S. diplomat said.
        
        "We've been engaged in intense diplomacy with allies and partners, communicating that message directly to Iran. We've communicated that message directly to Israel," Blinken said.
        
        The United States will continue to defend Israel against attacks, Blinken said, but noted that everyone in the region should understand the risks of escalation and miscalculation.