Antony Blinken warns Iran – and Israel – not to ‘escalate’ conflict

The US Secretary of State declined to answer directly on whether Jordan would again support action against an Iranian attack, saying only that US partners wanted an end to conflict.

Antony Blinken says the US commitment to Israel’s security is ‘iron-clad’. Picture: AFP

Both Iran and Israel should avoid escalating conflict, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said overnight on Tuesday, in his most direct wording toward US ally Israel on the Middle East’s spiralling tensions.

“No one should escalate this conflict,” Mr Blinken said.

“We’ve been engaged in intense diplomacy with allies and partners, communicating that message directly to Iran.

“We communicated that message directly to Israel.”

Iran has vowed a response after Israel was suspected of killing Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

President Joe Biden has hinted at frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the assassination, which came just as he hoped to make progress in talks to reach a ceasefire in the 10-month Gaza war.

“Our commitment to Israel’s security is iron-clad,” Mr Blinken said.

“We will continue to defend Israel against attacks from terrorist groups or their sponsors, just as we’ll continue to defend our troops.

“But everyone in the region should understand that further attacks only perpetuate conflict, instability, insecurity for everyone.”

Mr Blinken, speaking after talks with the Australian foreign and defence ministers at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, said the US was working “intensely to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and to prevent a spread of conflict”.

He spoke earlier in the day by telephone to Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

Jordan – in a delicate spot with its large Palestinian population and peace treaty with Israel – played a key role in a showdown in April in helping the US shoot down Iranian missiles and drones, ensuring minimal damage in Israel.

Mr Safadi on Sunday travelled to Tehran to discuss the situation.

Mr Blinken declined to answer directly on whether Jordan would again support action against an Iranian attack, saying only that US partners wanted an end to conflict.

“Further attacks only raise the risk of dangerous outcomes that no one can predict and no one can fully control,” Mr Blinken said.

“It’s urgent that everyone in the region take stock of the situation, understand the risk of miscalculation and make decisions that will calm tensions, not exacerbate them.”

The Biden administration, which has sent additional forces into the Middle East, had been hoping to focus not on an escalating crisis but on a ceasefire plan for Gaza.

AFP