Amid signs of a growing crisis in the Middle East following Iran’s strikes on Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made phone calls to the foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt on Sunday.
International Diplomatic Efforts Intensify Amid Escalating Tensions in the Middle East
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia and Israel. Iran claimed that the over 300 drone and missile strikes on Israel on April 1 were retaliation for the attack on its consulate in Syria. Israeli, US, and coalition forces knocked down almost all Iranian drones and missiles before they could reach their targets.
Not long after US President Joe Biden held separate phone discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and King Abdullah of Jordan, as well as a conference call with other G-7 leaders, there was a diplomatic frenzy to combat the issue. The American leadership emphasized the need to prevent further escalation in the region and reiterated America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security in all of the calls.
In a readout of the conversations that Blinken held with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, they also reaffirmed the significance of diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the Gaza crisis that offers long-term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
.@SecBlinken spoke with UK Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron and German Foreign Minister @ABaerbock regarding yesterday’s blatant and unprecedented attack by Iran and its proxies on Israel. Our countries are united in our condemnation of the attacks.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) April 15, 2024
Also Read: India calls for immediate de-escalation after Iran launches massive air attack on Israel
International Diplomatic Efforts Strengthened to Address Humanitarian Crisis and Ensure Regional Stability
Blinken expressed gratitude to Fidan for Turkey’s continued efforts to stop the situation from getting worse and spoke with Shoukry about the significance of continuing efforts to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza and increase humanitarian aid there, as well as securing an immediate ceasefire that guarantees the release of all hostages.
According to Miller, Blinken expressed gratitude to Jordan for taking the lead in delivering life-saving humanitarian relief to Palestinian residents, notably via cooperative US-Jordan airdrops and overland supplies.
Blinken reaffirmed that the US will continue to support Israel’s self-defense even though it does not wish an escalation in his conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud. Miller stated that the significance of a coordinated diplomatic response was acknowledged by both the foreign minister and the secretary.
.@SecBlinken spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister @HakanFidan about yesterday’s blatant and unprecedented attack by Iran and its proxies on Israel. He thanked him for his efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) April 15, 2024
Also Read: MEA issues advisory for Indians visiting Iran & Israel amidst increased Middle East armed conflict
Global Leaders Mobilize for Diplomatic Solutions Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
According to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Austin, the US does not seek escalation and will continue to defend Israel and US forces during his call with Saudi Minister of Defense, Khalid bin Salman.
According to Ryder, Austin emphasized the value of the US’s ongoing defense cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the US’s commitment to collaborating with it and other allies to reduce tensions in the area.
In order to examine Iran’s unprecedented strike against Israel, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries scheduled a call this afternoon. The White House stated that during the discussion, the president talked about how critical it is that the National Security Supplement be passed by the House of Representatives as quickly as feasible.
During an emergency meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres informed the Security Council that it is imperative to refrain from taking any action that would spark significant armed conflicts in the Middle East on several fronts.
Peace and security in the region, if not worldwide, are being jeopardized by the minute. He stated that additional war is not something the world or the area can afford. Iran’s “evil” acts are isolating it more and more. Enacting that supplementary right away is the greatest approach to assist Israel in restoring its ability to combat missiles and drones.
The security supplementary would resupply the anti-missile and anti-drone defenses found in the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, he said, adding that Israel has already spent more than a billion dollars defending itself.
John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Advisor, appeared on multiple programs, stating that Biden and the US are following through on their unwavering pledge to protect Israel. Furthermore, he made it apparent that the US does not want to fight Iran.
