Antony Blinken urges China and other nations to restrain Iran amidst concerns regarding a possible attack on Israel.
The US Secretary of State contacts counterparts expressing concerns about escalating tensions and the possibility of an attack on Israel.
Iran’s leadership has vowed retaliation for the attack on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus on April 1st.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has asked China’s foreign minister and other counterparts to use their influence to dissuade Iran from striking Israel, the State Department said on Thursday.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller informed reporters that Blinken communicated with counterparts like Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. He emphasized the importance of avoiding escalation, stating that it is not in anyone’s interest, and encouraged countries to persuade Iran against further escalation.
Miller also mentioned that Blinken had a phone conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to emphasize the United States’ steadfast support for Israel against these threats.
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the United States has issued a “warning” to Iran regarding its threats against Israel.
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden reiterated that the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security remains “unwavering”, notwithstanding his critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict in Gaza.
As of my last update in January 2022, Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, Israel, and the European Union, due to its history of violence and attacks targeting civilians.
In response, Beijing has accused the United States of showing bias toward Israel.
On Thursday, Netanyahu stated that Israel was readying for potential conflict in areas beyond the Gaza Strip while visiting the Tel Nof airbase situated south of Tel Aviv.
Amidst difficult times, Netanyahu addressed air force personnel at the base, acknowledging the ongoing intensity of the conflict in Gaza while emphasizing their persistent efforts to secure the release of hostages, amid escalating fears of retaliation from Iran.
“We’re also ready for situations in other areas. Our policy is straightforward: Those who cause harm to us will face consequences. We’re fully committed to fulfilling all of Israel’s security requirements, whether defensive or offensive,” he stated, as translated from Hebrew.
While at the base, which operates US-manufactured F-15 combat aircraft, Netanyahu received briefings from the deputy base commander and the squadron commander regarding their activities during the conflict.
Additionally, on Thursday, US General Michael Erik Kurilla, who leads US forces in the Middle East, arrived in Israel.
Kurilla visited Israel to engage in discussions with the country’s IDF leadership regarding the present security threats in the region, stated Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder.
Due to security concerns, the US embassy has limited the movements of diplomats in Israel.
“As a precautionary measure, US government employees and their families are prohibited from traveling outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beersheeva areas for personal reasons until further notice,” stated an embassy notice.
“The security situation is intricate and subject to rapid change based on the political climate and recent developments,” the notice mentioned.
On Thursday, Russia, Germany, and Britain urged Middle Eastern countries to exercise restraint.
The German airline Lufthansa, one of the two Western carriers flying to Tehran, has prolonged its suspension of flights to the Iranian capital, while Russia cautioned against travel to the Middle East.
Lufthansa stated that it is unlikely to resume flights to Tehran before April 13. Austrian Airlines mentioned that it intends to operate flights on Thursday but is making adjustments to the schedule to prevent crew members from needing an overnight layover.
Iranian airspace serves as a crucial transit route for Emirates and Qatar Airways flights to Europe and North America.
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, and Air Arabia, which are among the airlines operating flights to Tehran, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock appealed to her Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, urging “maximum restraint” to prevent further escalation.
The Russian foreign ministry advised its citizens against traveling to the Middle East, particularly to Israel, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories.
“At present, it is crucial for all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further destabilization of the already volatile situation in the region, which lacks stability and predictability,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov during a press briefing.
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