Blinken Warns UN Of "Decisive" Action If Iran Proxies Attack Americans; Carrier Strike Groups On Alert
Never a good sign when US says it
"doesn't want war"...
TUE OCT 24, AT 9:50 PM
It's never a good sign when the United States says it "doesn't want war" - at a moment a long known geopolitical flashpoint region stands on the brink. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday delivered a stern warning to Iran before a UN Security council meeting, saying the US is
prepared to respond "decisively" if Tehran or its proxies launch attacks on Americans in the Middle East.
Not only does the Pentagon still have thousands of troops and assets in Iraq, long under the domination of Shia paramilitary influence, but it has up to a thousand or so troops occupying broad oil and gas regions of eastern Syria. Missile and drone attacks on Pentagon outposts in Syria and Iraq have been rising in the last days. But the real concern is on Israel's northern border, where Hezbollah has launched
multiple guided missile and anti-tank attacks on Israel border posts, including on Tuesday.
"The United States does not seek conflict with Iran," Blinken told the UNSC "
We do not want this war to widen. But if Iran or its proxies attack US personnel anywhere, make no mistake:
We will defend our people, we will defend our security, swiftly and decisively." Russia's President Putin, who since 2015 has stationed major assets in neighboring Syria, just the day prior blamed Washington for stoking "escalation" in the Middle East by moving two US carrier strike groups into the region.
There are building fears that Iran-backed Hezbollah would launch an all-out war on Israel if the IDF moves in full force into Gaza. The only thing which apparently has stalled these plans is the slow release (so far up to four hostages) of Israeli and American captives by Hamas. Domestic political pressure is also building against the Netanyahu government, led by families who see in Qatari mediated efforts hope that loved ones will be released. Hamas has demanded that fuel be transferred into Gaza via the Rafah border, but Israel has countered that
all hostages must be freed first.
"We call on all member states to send a firm, united message to any state or non-state actor that is considering opening another front in this conflict against Israel or who may target Israel's partners, including the United States: don't. Don't throw fuel on the fire," Blinken said. But the historical pattern has been that when the US moves such huge naval power into the Mediterranean and Mideast waters, it plans to do something with it.
Jordan (and others), have at the same time warned the UN assembly that there's "real danger" of a bigger war which draws in superpowers like Russia, or even potentially China, which also has interests and military assets in the region.
...
The question of "clarity" regarding Israel's goals and strategy is also high on the US administration's agenda. A
Times of Israel report this week, commenting on what US officials told
The NY Times, issued the following
blunt words: "The Biden administration is reportedly
concerned that Israel lacks achievable military goals for its operations in Gaza, leading US officials to believe that the IDF is not yet ready for a ground incursion."
Macron's visit, during which time he's seeking "clarity" on objectives, will only heighten this pressure on Netanyahu to convey a clear plan and exit strategy. The fear also is that Israel's military could get bogged down in a costly Gaza fight, leading to escalation and quagmire, including in the north with Hezbollah.
