In the wake of Iran's strikes on Israel and the subsequent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin engaged in a flurry of diplomatic calls with key regional partners.
On Sunday, Secretary Blinken reached out to the foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, while Secretary Austin held discussions with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia and Israel. These diplomatic initiatives come in the aftermath of Iran's launch of more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, purportedly in retaliation for an earlier strike on its consulate in Syria.
Fortunately, the majority of Iranian projectiles were intercepted by Israeli, U.S., and allied forces before reaching their intended targets, averting a potentially catastrophic situation.
President Joe Biden, in tandem with these diplomatic efforts, held discussions with G-7 leaders and engaged in separate conversations with King Abdullah of Jordan and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.
According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, the discussions with regional leaders highlighted the need for concerted diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting resolution to the crisis in Gaza, ensuring peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude for Turkey's ongoing efforts to prevent further escalation and discussed with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry the importance of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the urgency of securing an immediate ceasefire.
In a call with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Blinken reiterated U.S. support for Israel's right to defend itself, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated diplomatic response.
Defense Secretary Austin, in his conversation with Saudi Minister of Defense Khalid bin Salman, reaffirmed the enduring U.S.-Saudi defense partnership and stressed the commitment to de-escalating tensions in the region.
Simultaneously, President Biden engaged with Congressional leaders to address what is deemed the most significant foreign policy crisis of his presidency. The urgency was echoed by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby, who emphasized the administration's dedication to defending Israel while averting further conflict with Iran.
Meanwhile, at the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against actions that could precipitate broader military confrontations in the Middle East, highlighting the critical need for peace and stability in the region.
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