The United States stated before the UN on Tuesday that it does not seek a conflict with Iran, but Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, issued a warning that if Iran or one of its proxies attacked American personnel anywhere, Washington would respond 'swiftly' and 'decisively'.
"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," Antony Blinken told a UN Security Council session.
Blinken addressed the 15-member U.N. Security Council amid concerns from throughout the world that the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Hamas terrorists supported by Iran in the Gaza Strip could escalate into a larger battle that would involve Lebanon's heavily armed Hezbollah.
Blinken urged all nations to unite in sending a message to any state or non-nation actor who could be considering starting a new front in the conflict with Israel or pursuing targets among Israel's allies, which include the US.
"Don't throw fuel on the fire," he added further.
Amir Saeid Iravani, the Iranian ambassador to the UN, said in a later statement to the Security Council that Blinken had attempted to wrongly link Iran to the Israel-Hamas conflict and that Tehran absolutely rejected his "groundless allegations."
As Israel bombarded Gaza, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres claimed that there had been violations of international law. "I am deeply concerned about the clear violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza. Let me be clear: No party to an armed conflict is above international humanitarian law," he stated.
(Photo: Antony Blinken-Reuters/ Biden-AFP/ Antonio Guterres)
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