U.S. Urges De-escalation Amid Middle East Tensions

The U.S. is urging nations to convince Iran that escalating Middle East tensions is detrimental. Secretary of State Blinken emphasized diplomacy to ease tensions following the assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh in Tehran, which Iran blames on Israel. President Biden held meetings to address the situation.

WASHINGTON – The United States is calling on nations to dissuade Iran from escalating tensions in the Middle East, a State Department spokesperson said Monday. This comes during what Secretary of State Antony Blinken termed a 'critical moment' for the region.

Engaged in 'intense diplomacy,' Washington seeks to mitigate rising fears of an Iranian retaliatory strike against Israel. 'All parties must refrain from escalation,' Blinken urged at a signing ceremony with his Australian counterpart, highlighting that increased conflict serves no one's interests.

The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which Iran attributes to Israel, has intensified the situation. President Joe Biden, meeting with his national security team, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza amid the spiraling violence.

(With inputs from agencies.)