US' Blinken dials Turkish, Chinese, Saudi counterparts as Iran-Israel tension rise

Iran blamed Israel for the April 1 strike on its consulate in Damascus and vowed a strong response.

Published on: Apr 12, 2024, 12:19:23 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

In the last 24 hours, United States secretary of state Antony Blinken has spoken with his Turkish, Chinese, and Saudi counterparts, emphasising that escalation in the Middle East is not in anyone's interest. This comes amid speculation of Iran's retaliation to the alleged Israeli strike on its embassy in Syria.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken. (via REUTERS)

ALSO READ- Iran tells US to ‘step aside’ as it readies response to Israel's consulate attack

Why there is a risk of Iran's strike on Israel?

Iran blames Israel for the April 1 strike on its consulate in Damascus, which killed senior members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Iranian government has since vowed a strong response.

World leaders rush to de-escalate Iran-Israel tension

• British foreign secretary David Cameron warned Iran against escalating tensions in the Middle East, urging to avoid wider conflict.

"Today I made clear to Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian that Iran must not draw the Middle East into a wider conflict. I am deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks," the British Foreign Minister posted from his X handle.

ALSO READ- Top US general meets IDF leadership amid escalation in Israel-Iran tensions

• US president Joe Biden reaffirmed steadfast support for Israel's security amid Iranian threat.

"As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again: ironclad. We're going to do all we can to protect Israel's security," Biden said at a White House press conference alongside visiting Japanese prime minister Kishida Fumio on Wednesday.

ALSO READ- Amid Gaza war, over 6,000 Indian workers to depart for Israel by May

• Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant asserted a firm response to potential Iranian attacks as he discussed preparedness with US defence secretary Lloyd Austin.

(Inputs from ANI)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.