Blinken: We do not want an escalation of tensions with Iran

"The US does not want an escalation of hostilities with Iran, but will continue to defend Israel after it was attacked by Tehran."
This was stated by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, AFP reported.
"We are not seeking escalation, but we will continue to support Israel and protect our personnel in the region," Blinken said at the start of a meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Ali Tamim.
"What this weekend showed is that Israel should not and should not defend itself when it is the victim of aggression, the victim of attack," the top US diplomat added, calling Iran's actions "unprecedented".
On April 13-14, Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel in response to the deadly attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1, which Tehran blamed on Israel.
Most of these projectiles were intercepted before they reached Israel with the help of the US, Jordan and other allies.
The secretary of state said he had been involved in multiple talks over the past 36 hours, trying to coordinate a diplomatic response to prevent any escalation of the crisis in the region.
According to the State Department, Blinken spoke with his colleagues from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Great Britain and Germany.
Iraq's deputy prime minister said his government was concerned the region could be "engaged in a wider war that will threaten international security and safety", urging all parties to exercise "restraint".
The meeting with Blinken took place before US President Joe Biden's talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at the White House./BGNES