Washington: In a stern message, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a clear warning that the United States would respond firmly if Iran or its proxies were to attack American personnel.
This comes as the Biden administration intensifies its efforts to prevent Iran from getting involved in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
"The United States does not seek conflict with Iran," Blinken stated during a UN Security Council meeting, adding, "We do not want this war to widen. But if Iran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere, make no mistake: We will defend our people, we will defend our security, swiftly and decisively," reported Bloomberg.
Blinken went on to urge other members of the UN Security Council, including Russia and China, to convey a strong message to Iran, encouraging them not to open another front against Israel or attack its partners. He stressed the importance of holding Iran accountable if such actions were taken.
"To all the members of this council: If you, like the United States, want to prevent this conflict from spreading, tell Iran, tell its proxies - in public, in private, through every means - do not open another front against Israel in this conflict. Do not attack Israel's partners."
These remarks are part of an intensified U.S. campaign to highlight Iran's role in regional violence against U.S. forces and its support for Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, who have recently launched rocket attacks on Israel. The U.S. has explicitly stated that it will hold Iran responsible for a series of drone and rocket attacks on U.S. forces in the region.
This move by the Biden administration has been complicated, as they deploy additional military assets to the Middle East, including two aircraft carrier groups, extra fighter jets, and missile-defence systems. The objective is to discourage adversaries, like Iran, from joining the ongoing conflict, although there are concerns that the expanded U.S. presence could inadvertently provoke the very outcome it aims to prevent.
Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas. This threat has raised international concerns about a potential ground campaign in Gaza, with fears that such a military operation could draw other parties into the conflict.
During his speech, Blinken also emphasised the importance of restraint. While acknowledging Israel's right to self-defence, he pointed out that the manner in which it exercises that right is significant.