Statement from the US likely to escalate Israel-Hamas crisis: We are ready to respond if targeted

Appearing on the NBC television program "Meet the Press," Blinken stated that the US expects the Israel-Palestine conflict to "escalate through the involvement of Iran," emphasizing that the Biden administration is "prepared to respond if any of our personnel or armed forces are the target of any hostile action" in the region.

Blinken remarked, "That is not what we want. We do not want escalation. We do not want our forces or our personnel to come under fire, but if that happens, we are ready," underscoring that no one wants to see a second or third front in the war.

Stating that they expect Iranian officials to increase attacks on US forces and personnel in the region, Blinken noted that necessary steps have been taken to ensure their safety and to "respond decisively if necessary."

MILITARY ASSETS DEPLOYED

Blinken reported that additional military assets, including two aircraft carrier strike groups, have been deployed to the region, stating, "(We did this) not to provoke, but to deter and to make it clear that we are there if anyone attempts to do anything."

In a written statement issued by the US Department of State today, it was announced that non-essential personnel have been ordered to leave the US Embassy in Erbil and the Consulate General in Erbil.