US warning to Iran: 'Escalating tensions is not in your interest'
The US Department of State has conveyed a message to Iran that escalating tensions with Israel would not be in Tehran's interest.
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US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller answered questions from journalists at the daily press briefing regarding the rising tensions in the Middle East following the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh.
Miller stated that they have been sending "consistent messages" to the Iranian government through their diplomatic contacts, conveying that "escalating tensions is not in their interest and that the US will defend Israel."
Stating that a wider Middle East conflict is not "inevitable" but that the US "will continue to work to prevent it from happening," Miller emphasized that an increase in tensions would not serve the interests of anyone in the region.
Matthew Miller said, "But of course, we are prepared for all contingencies. That has been the case since October 7."
US CONTACTS IN THE REGION
Spokesperson Matthew Miller shared that Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke today with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty regarding the tensions in the Middle East.
Miller noted that in these discussions, Blinken "underscored that this is a critical moment for the region, and emphasized the importance of all parties refraining from escalation and calling for calm."
Spokesperson Miller said, "The Secretary also makes clear through these engagements that the US continues to see a ceasefire in Gaza as a critical step, not only to secure the release of hostages and address the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, but also to help de-escalate broader tensions."
Miller further stated, "Any additional action by Iran only increases the risk of tension, the likelihood of further responses from Israel or other parties, and ultimately puts us in a position that we have been concerned about from the very beginning, which could lead to a conflict that could spiral out of control."