Title: United States Warns Iran of Swift Response to Any Attack on U.S. Personnel
Date: October 24, 2023
Location: United Nations, New York
The United States has conveyed a strong message to the United Nations, affirming its commitment to avoiding conflict with Iran. Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured the international community that the U.S. does not seek war with Iran during a meeting with the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday. However, he sternly warned that the U.S. would respond swiftly and decisively if Iran or its proxies were to launch an attack on American personnel anywhere.
The statement comes amidst growing concerns that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip could escalate into a larger war, potentially involving Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which is also supported by Iran.
Blinken emphasized the United States’ determination to protect its people and maintain national security, stating, “If Iran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere, make no mistake: we will defend our people, we will defend our security – swiftly and decisively.”
In response to the escalating tensions, the U.S. military has taken additional precautions to safeguard its troops in the Middle East. Officials disclose that the U.S. has deployed warships and fighter aircraft to the region in an attempt to deter potential attacks from Iran and Iran-backed groups. This includes the presence of two aircraft carriers in the area.
The Iranian mission to the United Nations has yet to respond to Blinken’s remarks. However, Iran is scheduled to address the Security Council meeting later in the day, providing an opportunity for further dialogue on the ongoing Middle East situation.
While addressing the Security Council, Blinken urged member states to send a united message to any state or non-state actors contemplating opening another front against Israel or targeting its partners, including the United States. He emphasized the need to avoid exacerbating the existing conflicts, stating, “Don’t throw fuel on the fire.”
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, standing alongside his Arab counterparts, expressed concern about the potential escalation of the conflict, highlighting the “real danger” it poses. Safadi emphasized that all parties strive to prevent the situation from spreading to other regions such as the West Bank and Lebanon.
In a separate development, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for the protection of civilians amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza. He expressed alarm over “clear violations of international humanitarian law.” The Gaza health ministry reported that more than 700 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli air strikes, marking the highest 24-hour death toll since the conflict escalated following a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7.
Guterres stressed the importance of adherence to rules during warfare, particularly the fundamental principle of respecting and preserving the lives of civilians. He further acknowledged the history of grievances faced by the Palestinian people but condemned the attacks by Hamas, emphasizing that they cannot justify collective punishment of innocent civilians.
Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan criticized Guterres’ speech, deeming it “shocking.” Erdan called for Guterres to resign immediately. Additionally, Israel’s visiting Foreign Minister Eli Cohen announced his decision to cancel a planned meeting with Guterres, stating, “After Oct. 7 there is no room for a balanced approach. Hamas must be erased from the world!”
Both events at the United Nations highlight the gravity of the situation in the Middle East, with international stakeholders urging restraint and accountability to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Howard Goller and Deepa Babington