Secretary of State for the United States, Antony Blinken, told the United Nations on Tuesday it “does not seek conflict with Iran”, but warned that Washington would act “swiftly and decisively” if Iran attacks US personnel anywhere.
International fears are growing on the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Palestinian Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and that it could spill over into a wider war, drawing in Lebanon's heavily armed Hezbollah that is also supported by Tehran.
This follows the latest developments from the Middle East, as Syrian authorities claim that eight of their military personnel have been killed in Israeli air strikes overnight.
The IDF has since confirmed that it struck army launchers in Syria, targeting infrastructure and mortar positions.
Antony Blinken told the UN that the US 'doesn't want conflict with Iran'
Reuters
US officials said their military is taking new steps to protect its troops in the Middle East, as concerns mount about attacks by Iran-backed groups.
The US has also sent warships and fighter aircraft to the region to try to deter Iran and Iran-backed groups, including two aircraft carriers.
Speaking to the 15-member U.N. Security Council, Blinken asked leaders "Where is the outrage? Where is the revulsion? Where is the rejection? Where is the explicit condemnation of these horrors?"
Blinken added that leaders must "affirm the right of any nation to defend itself and to prevent such horror from repeating itself."
Blinken addressed the 33 American victims of the conflict, telling members: "Every one of us has a stake. Every one of us has a responsibility in defeating terrorism.
"Palestinian civilians must be protected. We continue to coordinate closely with Egypt, Israel and partners across the region, as well as with the United Nations, to build mechanisms that will enable sustained humanitarian assistance to flow to civilians in Gaza without benefiting Hamas or any other terrorist group."
Blinken continued: "We're all determined to prevent this conflict from spreading. To that end, we call on all member states to send a firm united message to any state or non-state actor that is considering opening another front in this conflict against Israel or who may target Israel's partners, including the United States.
"Don't throw fuel on the fire. Members of this council and permanent members in particular have a special responsibility to prevent this conflict spreading. I look forward to continuing to work with my counterpart from the People's Republic of China to do precisely that when he visits Washington later this week."
Syrians have shown their support for Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict
Reuters
Blinken concluded his speech to the U.N by warning of America's intentions to defend their nation and their people.
He said: "Let me say this before this council, and let me say what we've consistently said to Iranian officials through other channels.
"The United States does not seek conflict with Iran. We do not want this war to widen.
“But if Iran or its proxies attack US personnel anywhere, make no mistake, we will defend our people. We will defend our security swiftly and decisively."