US President Joe Biden met his senior national security team on Monday as concerns grew of a possible Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel grew.
Mr. Biden said he had been briefed on preparations to support Israel should it be attacked, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken said officials were working “around the clock” to prevent an escalation.
Tensions have risen over the last week following the assassination of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh, for which Iran has blamed Israel and vowed “severe” retaliation. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the assassination. Numerous countries, including the US and UK, have also told their citizens to leave Lebanon, from where it is feared Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia and political movement, could play a role in any response.
Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Mr. Blinken said officials were “engaged in intense diplomacy pretty much around the clock with a very simple message: All parties must refrain from escalation”.
“Escalation is not in anyone's interests. It will only lead to more conflict, more violence, more insecurity,” he said. He added that a ceasefire would “unlock possibilities for more enduring calm not only in Gaza itself, but in other areas where the conflict can spread”.
“It is urgent that all parties make the right choices in the hours and days ahead,” he said.
— CutC by bbc.com
