【Epoch Times News, August 7, 2024】While the US military is calling on allies to help Israel defend against potential Iranian attacks, the US government is also urging Iran, along with its partner Israel, to refrain from launching attacks and is requesting Israel to exercise restraint to prevent a large-scale war in the Middle East.
On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US has conveyed the message to Iran and Israel that the conflicts in the Middle East should not escalate. The Pentagon also warned that attacks against US forces in the region will not be tolerated.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated after senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah were assassinated last week. US intelligence indicates that Iran and its allies may launch a new wave of attacks.
Over the past few days, President Biden, Blinken, and other senior diplomats have engaged in multiple conversations with leaders and foreign ministers from various Middle Eastern countries. They have communicated messages urging de-escalation to leaders from Jordan, Qatar, and Egypt.
Blinken emphasized that US officials have maintained close communication with allies and partners in the Middle East and have reached a “clear consensus” that no one should escalate the situation.
“We have been engaging in close diplomatic activities with allies and partners, delivering this message directly to Iran and Israel,” Blinken said.
He also reiterated that the US will continue to defend Israel against attacks but stressed that everyone in the region should understand the risks of escalation and miscalculation. “Further attacks only increase the risks of dangerous consequences, which no one can predict or fully control,” he said.
“Everyone in the region should understand that further attacks will only perpetuate conflict, instability, and insecurity,” Blinken added.
On Tuesday, Blinken met with his counterparts from Australia and Austin. Following the meeting, he announced that negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage agreement for the Gaza conflict have entered the final stages and should conclude soon.
According to two US officials familiar with intelligence, Iran and its proxies have begun preparing for potential retaliatory actions against Israel. Multiple US officials also indicate that Iran is expected to launch attacks against Israel in the coming days. It remains unclear whether Iran and Hezbollah will coordinate a unified response.
On Wednesday, at Iran’s request, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation will hold a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss the assassination of Haniyeh. Arab foreign ministers are expected to continue urging Iran to exercise restraint and criticize Israel for the killing of Haniyeh. However, Israel has not acknowledged carrying out the assassination.
Less than four months ago, Iran launched a large-scale attack on Israel, firing over three hundred missiles and drones in retaliation for an Israeli strike on diplomatic facilities in Damascus, Syria, resulting in the death of seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Almost all missiles launched by Iran were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, with the support of the US, UK, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
US Central Command General Erik Kurilla returned to Israel on Monday to restart similar multinational operations to protect Israel from attacks.
On Monday, the Asad airbase in western Iraq was attacked by rocket fire, injuring seven US personnel, including five American soldiers and two contractors.
Austin stated that the US “will not tolerate” attacks against US personnel.
When asked about the perpetrators behind the attack, Austin added that the US believes it was carried out by Iran-backed militias but has yet to determine which one.
“We are still investigating to confirm this,” he said.
The US has deployed additional military forces to the Middle East. “My focus has always been ensuring that we take all necessary measures to protect our troops and position ourselves advantageously. If necessary, we can assist in defending Israel,” Austin said.