- US says it aims to ‘lower temperature’ in Middle East
- America’s goal is to “deter and defend against any future attack and avoid regional conflict”
- Tensions have risen since the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh
- There are fears that Iran may retaliate against Israel
US aims to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East
The U.S. is working to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East amid concerns over a possible Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasised the country’s goal to “deter and defend against any future attack and avoid regional conflict” during a UN Security Council meeting.
At the Security Council meeting in New York, Thomas-Greenfield called for a ceasefire deal to be finalised.
“A broader regional conflict is not inevitable,” she said.
“The United States’ overall goal remains to turn the temperature down in the region, deter and defend against any future attacks, and avoid regional conflict,” she added.
“That starts with finalizing a deal for an immediate ceasefire with hostage release in Gaza. We need to get this over the finish line.”
Tensions have risen since the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, for which Israel has not claimed responsibility. There are fears that Iran may retaliate against Israel.
President Joe Biden has suggested that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza could help prevent an Iranian attack. Ceasefire talks are set to continue in Doha or Cairo on Thursday, although Hamas has reportedly stated they will not participate.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has delayed his trip to the Middle East to join efforts to end the conflict in Gaza. International mediators, including the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, are working on a ceasefire agreement that would involve the release of Israeli hostages and the return of Palestinian civilians to their homes.
The overall U.S. goal in the #MiddleEast is to "turn the temperature down," deter and defend against any future attacks, and avoid regional conflict: #US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. pic.twitter.com/JsPzIh6CnE
— Afternoon Voice (@Afternoon_Voice) August 14, 2024