US Issues Warning to Iran: Do Not Increase Conflict in Middle East
Recent days have seen tensions escalate between Hezbollah and Israel.
The United States has urged Iran through diplomatic channels to avoid escalating tensions in the Middle East, cautioning that such actions would be counter to Tehran’s interests, as reported by the U.S. Department of State.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an attack in Tehran on July 31, prompting threats of retaliation against Israel and raising concerns about a broader conflict in the region. Iran is thought to support Hamas, a designated terrorist group that has been involved in the Gaza conflict since attacking Israel on October 7, 2023.
Tensions have increased significantly between Hezbollah, claimed by U.S. officials to be backed by Iran, and Israel. Following an Israeli strike in Beirut on July 30 that killed a top Hezbollah commander, Hezbollah leaders have indicated intentions to retaliate against Israel. This strike was in response to the group’s alleged involvement in a rocket attack that resulted in civilian casualties in the Golan Heights.
During an August 5 press briefing, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller revealed that the United States has been encouraging other nations to convey messages to Iran, emphasizing that escalating the conflict and launching further attacks on Israel would not be in Iran’s best interests.
Miller did not confirm if these messages had reached Iran or through which channels, given that the United States and Iran have not had formal diplomatic relations since 1980.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at a signing event with an Australian counterpart in Washington, stressed the need for all parties to de-escalate tensions in the region and refrain from further conflict.
Over the weekend, the U.S. Embassy and foreign ministries of several nations issued warnings for their citizens to depart Lebanon immediately. U.S. citizens were advised to take the earliest available means to leave the country.
Blinken also called for an end to the cycle of violence and a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, emphasizing the urgency for all parties to make the right choices in the coming days.
The Pentagon confirmed its decision to bolster defense capabilities in the Middle East to support Israel, describing the move as a defensive measure. Spokesperson Sabrina Singh did not provide specifics on the deployment.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran will respond to Israel’s actions without seeking to escalate war and crisis in the region. Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, warned of a forthcoming response to Israel, indicating a new phase in the conflict.
Reuters contributed to this report.
