In a United Nations Security Council session on Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the United States would respond "decisively" to any attacks carried out by Iranian proxies.
These remarks come as tensions have escalated in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Blinken clarified the US stance, emphasizing that the United States does not seek a conflict with Iran and desires to prevent the war from expanding.
However, he made it clear that any attack on US personnel, no matter where it occurs, will result in a swift and decisive response.
The United States has accused Iran of supporting renewed attacks on U.S. forces stationed in Iraq as part of the coalition fighting against the Islamic State group. Iran's clerical leadership has openly supported Hamas, which launched a violent assault on Israel on October 7, triggering a significant Israeli response.
Furthermore, Iran has maintained close ties with Lebanon's Shiite Hezbollah, a group that has had repeated conflicts with Israel.
In a notable move, the United States vetoed a draft resolution regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict last week. The U.S. decision was based on the belief that the resolution should have explicitly defended Israel's right to self-defense.
Subsequently, the US has introduced a new resolution, which includes provisions expressing sympathy for both Israeli and Palestinian casualties and reaffirms "the inherent right of all states to individual and collective self-defense" while upholding international legal obligations.
Secretary Blinken, during his address to the Security Council, expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives, particularly children, due to actions by Hamas. He questioned the global response to these tragic events, asking, "Where's the outrage? Where's the revulsion? Where's the rejection? Where's the explicit condemnation of these horrors?" Blinken concluded by emphasizing the need to affirm the right of any nation to defend itself and prevent such harm from recurring.
The situation continues to evolve, with international tensions running high, as the United States sends a clear message to Iran regarding its stance on proxy attacks.
