US Secretary of State Blinken Warns Iran of 'Decisive' Response to Proxies' Attacks
ICARO Media Group
In a UN Security Council meeting, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a strong warning to Iran, stating that the United States would respond "decisively" to any attack by its proxies. The stern statement comes amidst escalating tensions due to the Israel-Hamas war.
Secretary Blinken emphasized that the United States does not seek conflict with Iran and does not desire the widening of the ongoing war. However, he made it clear that if Iran or its proxies were to attack US personnel anywhere, the US would swiftly and decisively defend its people and their security.
One of the key reasons behind the US's concerns stems from Iran's alleged involvement in renewed attacks on US forces based in Iraq. These attacks are believed to be in support of a coalition against the Islamic State group.
It is important to note that Iran's clerical leadership has been openly backing Hamas, who recently carried out a deadly assault on October 7 inside Israel. In response, Israel launched extensive retaliatory measures. Additionally, Iran maintains close ties with Lebanon's Shiite militia Hezbollah, which has engaged in multiple conflicts with Israel in the past.
In the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, the United States, as the top diplomatic supporter of Israel, vetoed a draft resolution in the UN Security Council. The US argued that the resolution should have explicitly defended Israel's right to self-defense.
However, in an effort to find common ground, the United States has put forward a revised resolution that aims to express sympathy for both Israeli and Palestinian casualties. The resolution also emphasizes the inherent right of all states to individual and collective self-defense, while considering obligations under international law.
Secretary Blinken acknowledged that the new resolution incorporates valuable feedback received from other Council members in recent days. He stressed the need to affirm the right of any nation to defend itself and prevent similar harm from recurring. Blinken further emphasized that no member of the Council, nor any nation, could or would tolerate the loss of innocent lives.
As tensions continue to rise and conflicts unfold, it remains crucial for all parties involved to find diplomatic solutions that address the grievances while upholding the principles of peace and security in the region. The world watches attentively as developments unfold amidst a delicate balance of power and interests.