US calls on Israel to avoid escalation of hostile actions against Iran

Illustrative photo from open sources

The United States has called on Israel to show restraint and avoid escalating conflict in the Middle East as the Israeli government considers a response to Iran's recent attack with more than 300 missiles and drones.

&quot ;We do not seek escalation, but will continue to support Israel's defense and protect our personnel in the region," – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at the beginning of a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Ali Tamim, Voice of America reports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, April 15, held his second war cabinet meeting in less than 24 hours, a government source said.

Fears are growing that an Iranian attack could lead to open war between Israel and Iran, which will spread throughout the Middle East.

President Joe Biden told Netanyahu that the United States will not participate in Israel's response to Iran.

The war between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7, was accompanied by clashes between Israel and Iranian-controlled forces in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq.

Israel said four of its soldiers were wounded on Lebanese territory a few hundred meters from the border during an overnight shootout with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that his government would everything possible to avoid an escalation of the situation between Israel and Iran.

"G7" leading industrialized countries "unconditionally" condemned Iran's attack on Israel after talks on Sunday.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Monday that the G7 is working on a package of coordinated measures against Iran following Saturday's Tehran attack on Israel.

"We are working with our allies to understand what steps we can take together in a coordinated manner to deter and condemn Iran's actions." ;,– Sunak said in parliament, referring to discussions among the G7 leaders. on the weekend.

Prepared by: Sergey Daga