Skip to content 
In a series of diplomatic calls on Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the escalating Middle East situation with his British and French counterparts. The conversations focused on reducing tensions and preventing the spread of conflict in the region.
Read also: Supreme Court Judges Challenge Jurisdiction in Reserved Seats Ruling
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller reported that Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the urgency of finalizing a Gaza ceasefire deal, which would include a hostage and prisoner swap.
In a separate call, Blinken and French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne addressed the Gaza ceasefire negotiations and the potential threats posed by Iran. Both discussions highlighted the need to avoid further escalation in the Middle East.
These diplomatic efforts come amid heightened regional tensions following Iran’s vow of “severe punishment” against Israel for the alleged assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accused Israel of carrying out the attack with U.S. support, using a short-range projectile.
In response to the growing instability, the U.S. announced on Friday its decision to deploy additional fighter jets and navy warships to the Middle East.
Haniyeh was killed early Wednesday at his residence in Tehran, where he was attending the inauguration of new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Hamas leader’s bodyguard also died in the attack. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led Haniyeh’s funeral on Thursday, followed by a large procession. Haniyeh was laid to rest in Doha, Qatar, on Friday.
The assassination and its aftermath have significantly increased tensions in an already volatile region, prompting world powers to engage in urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
